Primary-Residence-Only Rule: Long Beach vs Los Angeles
How do primary-residence-only rule rules compare between Long Beach, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Long Beach and Los Angeles have similar restriction levels.
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach STR Ordinance limits un-hosted whole-home short-term rentals to a host's bona fide primary residence under LBMC Title 5 Chapter 5.65, with non-primary STRs barred citywide outside narrow legacy exceptions.
View full Long Beach rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles allows short-term home-sharing only at the host's primary residence under LAMC §12.22 A.32(a)(2), defined as the dwelling occupied by the host for at least six months of the calendar year and listed on tax filings.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Long Beach | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Code | LBMC 5.65 | - |
| Residency threshold | 9 months/year minimum | - |
| Cap per host | One primary STR | - |
| Proof | Utility, ID, voter records | - |
| Occupancy threshold | - | Six months per year |
| Proof accepted | - | Tax filings, license, utilities |
| Number allowed | - | One primary residence only |
| RSO units | - | Generally excluded |
| Audit authority | - | City Planning Department |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Long Beach FAQ
Can I run an STR at a property I don't live in?
Generally no for un-hosted whole-home rentals; only legacy non-primary registrations issued before the cap may continue, and new non-primary applications are not accepted.
What proves a primary residence?
Driver license, voter registration, utility bills, and tax returns showing the STR address as your main home for at least nine months annually.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can I home-share my second home in Malibu while living in LA?
No. LAMC §12.22 A.32 limits home-sharing to your one primary residence within Los Angeles city limits. Second homes, vacation houses, and investment properties cannot be registered.
What documents prove primary residence?
California driver's license, voter registration, vehicle registration, two months of utility bills, and federal or state tax returns showing the address are accepted by City Planning during registration and audits.
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