Lancaster vs Long Beach
How do transient occupancy tax rules compare between Lancaster, CA and Long Beach, CA?
Lancaster and Long Beach have similar restriction levels.
Lancaster, 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 Lancaster rules →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach charges a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax on hotel, motel, and short-term lodging stays under 30 days. Operators collect from guests at registration and remit monthly to the city Treasurer.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lancaster | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | LA County Code Title 4.72 | LBMC Chapter 3.64 |
| Rate | 12 percent of room charge | - |
| Stay threshold | Under 30 days | - |
| Coverage | Unincorporated areas only | - |
| Platform collection | Airbnb, Vrbo agreements | - |
| TOT rate | - | 12% of rent |
| Threshold | - | Under 30 consecutive days |
| Filing | - | Monthly remittance |
| Administered by | - | Financial Management Dept |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lancaster 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.
Long Beach FAQ
Do short-term rentals owe TOT?
Yes. Hosts of permitted short-term rentals must collect and remit the 12% TOT, in addition to compliance with Long Beach STR registration requirements.
Is a 30-night stay taxed?
No. Stays of 30 consecutive days or longer are exempt occupancies under LBMC 3.64. Tax applies only when occupancy is genuinely transient.
Compare other topics
See how Lancaster and Long Beach compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool