Taxes & Fees: El Monte vs Pasadena
How do taxes & fees rules compare between El Monte, CA and Pasadena, CA?
El Monte and Pasadena have similar restriction levels.
El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
El Monte prohibits short-term rentals citywide; the 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (effective Oct. 1, 1992) reaches only licensed hotels and motels, not residential STRs, which cannot legally operate.
View full El Monte rules →Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Pasadena imposes a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on short-term rentals. Hosts must register with the Finance Department and remit taxes monthly. Online platforms may collect on behalf of hosts.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Monte | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| City TOT rate (hotels/motels only) | 10% | - |
| TOT effective date | October 1, 1992 | - |
| Residential STR permit | Not available — STRs prohibited | - |
| Transient definition | Stays of 30 consecutive days or less | - |
| Filing frequency | Monthly (online portal) | - |
| Finance contact | license@elmonteca.gov / (626) 580-2031 | - |
| TOT Rate | - | 12% |
| Applies To | - | Stays under 30 days |
| Remittance | - | Monthly to Finance Department |
| Platforms | - | May collect on behalf of hosts |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Monte FAQ
Can I list my El Monte home on Airbnb?
No. El Monte's Zoning Code and ADU Program Guidelines prohibit renting dwelling units (including ADUs and JADUs) for periods of less than 30 consecutive calendar days. There is no city STR permit available.
Does the 10% TOT apply to a 30+ day stay?
No. A 'transient' is defined as an occupancy of 30 consecutive days or less; stays of 31+ days are not subject to the TOT under the city's hotel/motel tax framework.
Pasadena FAQ
What is the hotel tax rate for STRs in Pasadena?
Pasadena charges a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax on all stays under 30 days.
Does Airbnb collect the tax automatically?
Airbnb and other platforms may collect and remit TOT on behalf of hosts through agreements with the city.
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