Lancaster vs Santa Clarita
How do registration rules rules compare between Lancaster, CA and Santa Clarita, CA?
Santa Clarita has fewer restrictions than Lancaster.
Lancaster, CA
Los Angeles County
All short-term rental hosts in unincorporated LA County must register annually with the Treasurer and Tax Collector. Registration costs $914 per year and a TOT certificate is required before hosting any guests.
View full Lancaster rules →Santa Clarita, CA
Los Angeles County
Santa Clarita currently has no city-level STR permit requirement. State 120-day limit for primary residences applies. LA County TOT required. Business registration recommended.
View full Santa Clarita rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lancaster | Santa Clarita |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $914 | - |
| Registry | LA County TTC | - |
| Insurance | $1M liability required | - |
| Local Contact | Within 30 minutes | - |
| Residency | 9 months/year | - |
| City STR Permit | - | Not currently required |
| State Cap | - | 120 days/year for primary residence |
| LA County TOT | - | Required — 12% in unincorporated areas |
| Business Registration | - | LA County TTC — (213) 974-2011 |
| Future Regulation | - | City may adopt rules; check for updates |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lancaster FAQ
How do I register my short-term rental in unincorporated LA County?
Apply with the LA County Treasurer and Tax Collector (TTC) for a TOT Registration Certificate and STR registration. The annual fee is $914. You must be the property owner or authorized representative.
Do I need insurance for my Airbnb in LA County?
Yes. The STR Ordinance requires hosts to maintain at least $1 million in liability insurance covering the short-term rental activity.
Santa Clarita FAQ
Do I need to register my short-term rental with the City of Santa Clarita?
No. The city does not maintain an STR registry and does not require registration. However, you must comply with the 10% TOT and may need an LA County business license.
How do I pay the Transient Occupancy Tax?
Contact the City of Santa Clarita Finance Department for TOT remittance procedures. Some platforms like Airbnb may automatically collect and remit the tax on your behalf.
Is there a listing number I need to display on my Airbnb listing?
No. Santa Clarita does not require a permit number, registration number, or license number to be displayed on rental listings.
Compare other topics
See how Lancaster and Santa Clarita 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