Registration Rules: Long Beach vs Santa Monica
How do registration rules rules compare between Long Beach, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Long Beach and Santa Monica have similar restriction levels.
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
STR registration required under LBMC Chapter 5.77. Primary Residence ($400/yr) or Non-Primary Residence registration (limited to 800 citywide). Operator and property owner jointly responsible.
View full Long Beach rules →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
Santa Monica has one of the strictest short-term rental laws in the nation. Chapter 6.20 (adopted May 2015) prohibits vacation rentals and allows only hosted home-sharing with mandatory registration, a business license, and TOT collection. Only primary residents may home-share while living on-site.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Long Beach | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Code | LBMC §5.77 | SMMC Ch. 6.20 |
| Annual Fee | $400 | - |
| Primary Residence | Unhosted max 90 days/yr; hosted unlimited | - |
| Non-Primary Cap | 800 permits citywide | - |
| Contact Requirement | 24/7 local contact, 1-hr response | - |
| Vacation Rentals | - | Prohibited |
| Home-Sharing | - | Host must live on-site |
| Registration | - | Business license required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Long Beach FAQ
What tax do I need to collect as a Long Beach host?
You must collect a 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on gross rental revenue and remit it monthly to the City.
Does Airbnb collect the tax for me?
Airbnb and similar platforms may collect and remit TOT on your behalf, but you remain legally responsible for ensuring it is properly paid.
What happens if I pay TOT late?
A 25% penalty is assessed after one month delinquent, escalating to 50% after two months.
Santa Monica FAQ
Can I rent my entire home on Airbnb in Santa Monica?
No. Vacation rentals (whole-home rentals for fewer than 30 days) are strictly prohibited. Only hosted home-sharing is allowed, where you live on-site during the guest's stay.
What do I need to legally home-share in Santa Monica?
A Home-Share Business License, City registration, TOT collection, primary residence status, and on-site presence during all guest stays. Apply through the Finance Department.
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