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🏠 Short-Term Rentals/Permit Requirements

Lakewood vs Santa Monica

How do permit requirements rules compare between Lakewood, CA and Santa Monica, CA?

Lakewood and Santa Monica have similar restriction levels.

Lakewood, CA

Los Angeles County

Heavy Restrictions

Lakewood, CA Ordinance 2023-2 (effective May 25, 2023) prohibits all short-term rentals (under 31 consecutive days) in every residential zoning district. Permits issued before March 1, 2023 sunset on June 30, 2024.

View full Lakewood rules β†’

Santa Monica, CA

Los Angeles County

Heavy Restrictions

Santa Monica strictly regulates short-term rentals. A business license and compliance with the city's home-sharing ordinance is required. The city imposes a Transient Occupancy Tax on stays under 30 days. Only home-sharing (host present) is permitted for most units.

View full Santa Monica rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactLakewoodSanta Monica
StatusProhibited-
AuthorityOrdinance 2023-2-
EffectiveMay 25, 2023-
Permit SunsetJune 30, 2024-
License-Business license required
Home-Sharing-Host present required for most
TOT-Transient Occupancy Tax applies
Enforcement-Active enforcement program

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Lakewood FAQ

Can I rent my Lakewood, CA home on Airbnb?

No. Ordinance 2023-2 (effective May 25, 2023) prohibits all short-term rentals of less than 31 consecutive days in every residential zoning district. Permits issued before March 1, 2023 expired June 30, 2024.

What about long-term rentals?

The ban applies only to stays of less than 31 consecutive days. Conventional 30+ day residential leases remain allowed under standard California landlord-tenant law and Lakewood's residential zoning rules.

Santa Monica FAQ

Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Santa Monica?

Santa Monica strictly regulates short-term rentals. A business license and compliance with the city's home-sharing ordinance is required. The city imposes a Transient Occupancy Tax on stays under 30 days. Only home-sharing (host present) is permitted for most units.

What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Santa Monica?

License: Business license required. Home-Sharing: Host present required for most. TOT: Transient Occupancy Tax applies. Enforcement: Active enforcement program.

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