Lakewood vs Los Angeles
How do transient occupancy tax rules compare between Lakewood, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Lakewood and Los Angeles have similar restriction levels.
Lakewood, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County Code Title 4.72 imposes a 12 percent transient occupancy tax on lodging stays under 30 days in unincorporated areas, including hotels, motels, and short-term rentals. The Treasurer-Tax Collector registers operators and audits monthly remittances.
View full Lakewood rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
LAMC Article 1.7 (Section 21.7) imposes a 14 percent Transient Occupancy Tax on rooms rented for fewer than 31 days in Los Angeles, including hotels, motels, and home-share platforms that have collection agreements with the Office of Finance.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lakewood | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | LA County Code Title 4.72 | LAMC Section 21.7 |
| Rate | 12 percent of room charge | - |
| Stay threshold | Under 30 days | Under 31 days |
| Coverage | Unincorporated areas only | - |
| Platform collection | Airbnb, Vrbo agreements | Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking |
| Combined rate | - | 14 percent typical |
| Filing | - | Monthly to Office of Finance |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lakewood FAQ
If I run an Airbnb in Altadena, do I collect TOT?
Yes, but Airbnb typically remits on your behalf under its voluntary collection agreement with LA County. You must still register your unit with the Treasurer-Tax Collector and confirm the platform is reporting your stays correctly.
Does the county TOT apply inside cities?
No. The 12 percent county TOT applies only in unincorporated areas. Cities like Los Angeles (14 percent), Santa Monica (14 percent), and West Hollywood (12.5 percent) run their own TOTs through municipal ordinances.
Los Angeles FAQ
Does TOT apply to my Airbnb stay?
Yes. Short-term rentals under 31 days inside Los Angeles owe TOT. Major platforms collect and remit on the host's behalf, but independent hosts must register and file directly.
Are long-term hotel guests exempt?
Yes. A guest who stays 31 consecutive days or longer at the same property becomes a non-transient and is exempt from TOT for that stay under LAMC Section 21.7.2.
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