Lakewood's Short-Term Rentals: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In Lakewood, California, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Short-Term Rental Permits

Lakewood bans short-term rentals of any dwelling for stays under 31 days. Pre-existing permits issued before March 1, 2023 were allowed to keep operating only through June 30, 2024, and every Short Term Rental Permit is now void.

Key details: Short-term rentals: Banned citywide, all stays under 31 days. Old permit cutoff: Valid only if issued before March 1, 2023. Grandfathering end: June 30, 2024. Void date: June 30, 2023 if noncompliant. Enforcement: Administrative Citation, § 4900 et seq..

Operating or advertising a short-term rental (any stay under 31 days) after June 30, 2024, or continuing under a Title VI permit that has lapsed or been voided for a fee or tax delinquency, is subject to an Administrative Citation under § 4900 et seq. of the Municipal Code, carrying the maximum fine authorized by state law, in addition to any other remedy available to the City, such as a misdemeanor prosecution under § 1200.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Lakewood actively enforces its short-term rental permits requirements.

Taxes & Fees

Lakewood's zoning code bans short-term rentals of under 31 days citywide as of June 30, 2024, after a one-year wind-down for previously permitted hosts. While permits still existed, the city taxed short-term stays at 8% and charged a $40 business license fee for up to eight rooms, but new short-term rentals are not allowed anywhere in the city today.

Key details: Current rule: Rentals under 31 days banned citywide (§9320 F.2). Wind-down ended: June 30, 2024 for legacy permits (§9320 F.3). Still allowed: Home-share rentals of 31+ days (§9320 F.1.d). Historic license fee: $40 for up to 8 rooms (§6527.2 E.1). Historic occupancy tax: 8% of rent while permitted (§6903).

Operating a short-term rental after the June 30, 2024 cutoff, or violating any short-term rental provision such as unpaid fees or taxes, subjects the operator to an Administrative Citation under Section 4900 et seq., with fines set at the maximum amount state law allows. Any surviving legacy permit is automatically and immediately canceled the moment a violation occurs, under Section 9320(F)(3), regardless of how long the permit had been in good standing.

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

Extended Home Share

Lakewood's zoning code allows a resident to rent out rooms in a single-family home only as a long-term home-share: no more than two rooms to two roomers, or table board to two boarders, and only for stays of 31 days or more.

Key details: Room limit: 2 rooms to 2 roomers max. Boarder limit: 2 boarders max with table board. Minimum stay: 31 days or more. Zone: R-1 Single-Family Residential. Governing code: Lakewood Municipal Code § 9320(F)(1)(d).

Renting more than two rooms, hosting more than two roomers or boarders, or renting for stays under 31 days under the home-share provision is treated as an unpermitted short-term rental and is subject to enforcement under § 1200 (misdemeanor, up to six months in county jail and the state maximum misdemeanor fine) or as an infraction under § 1205, with each day of the violation a separate offense.

Occupancy Limits

Lakewood limits the number of guests allowed in short-term rental properties. Occupancy caps are typically based on bedroom count or square footage to protect neighborhood quality of life.

The Bottom Line

Lakewood is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Lakewood, 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 Lakewood 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.