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🏠 Short-Term Rentals/Host Presence Rule

Lakewood vs Los Angeles

How do host presence rule rules compare between Lakewood, CA and Los Angeles, CA?

Lakewood and Los Angeles have similar restriction levels.

Lakewood, CA

Los Angeles County

Some Restrictions

In unincorporated Los Angeles County, the short-term rental host need not be physically onsite, but the property must be the host's primary residence and unhosted stays are capped at 30 nights per calendar year under Title 22.140.290.

View full Lakewood rules β†’

Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles County

Some Restrictions

Los Angeles does not require the host to be physically present during a home-share rental, but the dwelling must remain the host's primary residence and the host must hold a valid Home-Sharing Registration under LAMC Β§12.22 A.32.

View full Los Angeles rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactLakewoodLos Angeles
Host onsite requiredNo, presence not mandatedNo, presence not mandated
Unhosted night cap30 nights per year-
Hosted night capNo annual cap-
Permit issuerRegional Planning Department-
Applies toUnincorporated areas only-
Primary residence rule-Yes, registered residence only
Annual cap-120 nights without extended permit
Registration-HSR number required
Fine range-Up to $2,000 per day

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Lakewood FAQ

Can I leave town and rent out my whole house?

Yes, but only for up to 30 nights per calendar year as an unhosted rental. Beyond that you must remain onsite or stop renting until the calendar resets.

Does this rule cover cities inside LA County?

No. Title 22.140.290 governs only unincorporated LA County. Incorporated cities such as Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and Long Beach enforce their own short-term rental ordinances.

Los Angeles FAQ

Can I travel and rent out my whole house in LA?

Yes, unhosted whole-home stays are allowed if the property is your registered primary residence and you stay within the 120-night annual cap or hold an Extended Home-Share permit.

Do I need a roommate present during the rental?

No. LAMC Β§12.22 A.32 does not require the host or any occupant to be physically onsite during a guest stay, only that the dwelling be the host's primary residence.

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