Short-Term Rentals in Los Angeles: What’s Legal in 2025?

In 2025, short-term rentals in Los Angeles are legal only in your primary residence for up to 120 days per year. You must register with the city, prove it’s your primary home, and avoid rent-controlled units, ADUs, and subsidized housing—or risk steep fines.

1. Overview of LA’s 2025 Home-Sharing Ordinance

Los Angeles’ Home-Sharing Ordinance allows short-term rentals (STRs) only in your primary residence—the home where you live at least six months per year. Rentals are capped at 120 days annually to prevent year-round hotel-like operations and protect housing availability.
Prohibited properties include:

• Rent-Stabilized Units (RSO)

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

• Certain subsidized housing (e.g., Section 8)

Starting September 1, 2025, fines for violations increase by 3.2% (tied to the Consumer Price Index).

2. Who Qualifies for a Short-Term Rental Permit?

To operate legally, you must:

• Own or rent your primary residence (landlord approval required if renting).

• Register with the City Planning Department and display your STR permit number on all listings.

• Ensure the property is not rent-controlled or restricted housing.

• Operate only one STR listing citywide at any time.

In unincorporated LA County, expect additional 12% transient occupancy tax plus stricter zoning rules.

3. Primary Residence vs. Investment Properties

STR rules are primary residence only—no second homes, vacation properties, or dedicated investment rentals. If you own multiple properties, the rest must be long-term rentals or remain vacant. This policy is designed to reduce speculative buying but limits income scalability for multi-property owners.

4. How to Apply for a Los Angeles STR Permit in 2025

• Step 1: Gather proof of primary residency (e.g., utility bills, ID, property deed/lease).

• Step 2: Submit your application online through the LA City Planning portal.

• Step 3: Pay the $89 application fee (plus annual renewals).

• Step 4: Pass fire safety and building code checks.

Approval time: 30–60 days (delays happen if documents are incomplete). After approval, platforms like Airbnb will verify your permit before allowing bookings. Random audits are part of the city’s 2025 enforcement.

💡 Pro Tip for LA Hosts: If you’re in Pasadena, Hollywood, or Glendale, local ordinances may differ. Always check both city and county rules before applying.

📥 Free Download: [LA Short-Term Rental Compliance Checklist] – Your step-by-step guide to avoiding the most common fines in 2025.