Short-Term Rentals in Inglewood, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Inglewood or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Inglewood has 8 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Parking Rules

Inglewood STR guests must comply with all local parking regulations. Hosts are expected to inform guests about street parking restrictions, permit requirements, and driveway usage to minimize neighborhood impact.

Key details: Guest Parking: Must comply with all local parking rules. Host Responsibility: Inform guests of restrictions. Off-Street: Preferred where available. Complaints: Local contact must address promptly.

Vehicles parked in violation may be cited or towed. Persistent parking issues at an STR property may contribute to enforcement action against the operator's permit.

Occupancy Limits

Maximum occupancy for STR units is determined by city inspection. The city inspects interior and exterior of properties and sets maximum occupancy and parking capacity before issuing permits.

Key details: Determination: Set by city inspection. Inspection: Interior and exterior required. Parking: Capacity also set during inspection. Enforcement: HPSTR Division.

First offense: warning. Repeated overcrowding: fines of $250 to $1,000. Permit suspension or revocation for chronic violations.

Noise Rules

Inglewood requires STR operators to inform guests about noise regulations and quiet hours before occupancy. Guests must comply with Article 2 of Chapter 5 noise rules. Violations by guests can result in penalties for the operator.

Key details: Guest Notification: Required before occupancy. Response Time: Local contact must respond in 60 min. Quiet Hours: Per city noise ordinance (10 PM–7 AM). Operator Liability: Host responsible for guest behavior.

STR operators are held responsible for guest behavior. Noise complaints against an STR unit may lead to warnings, fines, and potential permit revocation for the operator.

Compared to other cities, Inglewood takes a harder line on noise rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Permit Requirements

Inglewood requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a permit from the Housing Protection Department. Vacation rentals are limited to 90 days per calendar year in blocks of 30 consecutive days or less. A local contact person must be designated who can respond within 60 minutes.

Key details: Annual Cap: 90 days per calendar year. Max Block: 30 consecutive days. Local Contact: 25+ years old, respond in 60 min. Department: Housing Protection Dept., STR Division.

Operating without a permit is subject to fines and cease-and-desist orders. Exceeding the 90-day annual cap or failing to maintain a responsive local contact can result in permit revocation.

Compared to other cities, Inglewood takes a harder line on permit requirements. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Night Caps

Inglewood requires all STR operators to remit 13% Transient Occupancy Tax on bookings of 30 days or less. TOT must be paid retroactively from January 1, 2022. No explicit annual night cap is specified, but primary residence and vacation rental restrictions limit availability. Fines up to $5,000 per incident for violations.

Key details: TOT Rate: 13%. Retroactive To: January 1, 2022. Annual Cap: None specified. Max Fine: $5,000 per incident.

Fines up to $5,000 per incident. Back taxes from January 2022 due upon registration. Permit revocation for non-compliance.

This is one of the stricter rules in Inglewood's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Registration Rules

Inglewood requires an STR permit under Ordinance 22-15 (effective September 6, 2022). Hosts must be Inglewood property owners, residents for 365+ consecutive days, and age 25+. Tenants cannot operate STRs. HOA approval required for condo/HOA properties. Vacation rentals require 10 years city residency and property within 1,000 feet of primary residence.

Key details: Ordinance: No. 22-15 (Sept 2022). Age Requirement: 25+ years old. Residency: 365+ days at property. Contact: (310) 412-4299.

Operating without permit: fines up to $5,000 per incident. All unpaid TOT from January 2022 must be paid. Permit revocation for repeated violations.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Inglewood actively enforces its registration rules requirements.

Insurance Requirements

STR hosts must maintain adequate insurance coverage as part of the permit requirements. Safety features including fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and CO detectors are required. Tenants are not allowed to operate STRs.

Key details: Insurance: Required for permit. Safety Equipment: Fire extinguisher, smoke/CO detectors. Tenants: Cannot operate STRs. Enforcement: HPSTR Division.

Operating without required insurance may result in permit denial or revocation. Hosts may face personal liability for uninsured claims.

Taxes & Fees

Inglewood STR operators must collect and remit transient occupancy tax (TOT) on all short-term rental income. The TOT rate applies to stays of 30 days or fewer. Operators must register with the city's tax collection office.

Key details: Tax Type: Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). Applies To: Stays of 30 days or fewer. Registration: Required with city tax office. Remittance: Quarterly.

Failure to collect or remit TOT can result in back taxes, penalties, and interest. Non-compliant operators may face permit suspension or revocation.

Compared to other cities, Inglewood takes a harder line on taxes & fees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Inglewood is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 8 rules covered here, 5 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Inglewood, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Inglewood can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.