Noise Rules: Los Angeles vs New York
How do noise rules rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and New York, NY?
Los Angeles has fewer restrictions than New York.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
The Home-Sharing Ordinance codifies 10 PM quiet hours for all STR guests. Hosts must provide a Code of Conduct to every guest covering noise and good-neighbor rules. Standard LAMC noise ordinance (Chapter XI) also applies. Repeated noise complaints can trigger registration revocation.
View full Los Angeles rules →New York, NY
New York County
Short-term rentals in New York City must comply with the NYC Noise Code (Administrative Code Chapter 24, Title 24, §§24-201 through 24-269) at all times, with quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enforces general noise standards, while NYPD responds to in-progress disturbances. Hosts registered under Local Law 18 must remain physically present during stays, which makes them directly responsible for guest noise. Multiple Dwelling Law §78 also imposes a duty on owners to keep premises in good repair, including soundproofing where applicable. Repeat noise violations can lead to OSE registration revocation under Admin. Code §26-3102.
View full New York rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10 PM per Home-Sharing Ordinance | 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. |
| Code of Conduct | Required for all guests | - |
| Enforcement | Complaints via STR Hotline (213) 267-7788 | DEP; NYPD; OSE; OATH |
| Penalty | Registration revocation for repeat violations | - |
| Governing Law | - | NYC Admin. Code Title 24, Chapter 1, Subchapter 4 (§§24-201 to 24-269) |
| Residential Limit (Night) | - | 45 dB(A) measured inside neighbor's dwelling |
| Sound-Reproduction Limit | - | Not audible from 25 feet (§24-244) |
| Host Presence Required | - | Yes, under Local Law 18 |
| First-Offense Penalty | - | $50-$875 depending on source |
| Repeat-Offense Penalty | - | Escalating; potential OSE registration revocation |
| Reporting | - | 311 (non-emergency); 911 (in-progress disturbance) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
What noise rules apply to short-term rentals in los Angeles?
The Home-Sharing Ordinance codifies 10 PM quiet hours for all STR guests. Hosts must provide a Code of Conduct to every guest covering noise and good-neighbor rules. Standard LAMC noise ordinance (Chapter XI) also applies. Repeated noise complaints can trigger registration revocation.
What are the quiet hours for Airbnb guests in los Angeles?
Quiet Hours: 10 PM per Home-Sharing Ordinance. Code of Conduct: Required for all guests. Enforcement: Complaints via STR Hotline (213) 267-7788. Penalty: Registration revocation for repeat violations.
New York FAQ
What are quiet hours for short-term rentals in NYC?
NYC's Noise Code (Admin. Code §24-231) sets quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., during which residential noise cannot exceed 45 dB(A) measured inside a neighboring dwelling. Short-term rental hosts and guests must comply with these limits.
Can guests play music outside on a balcony or in the yard?
Sound-reproduction devices may not be operated so they are audible from 25 feet away or in another residence under Admin. Code §24-244. Outdoor amplified music at a short-term rental is likely to violate the Noise Code, especially during quiet hours.
What happens if there are repeated noise complaints at a registered STR?
Repeated noise complaints can result in DEP and NYPD violations and may be considered by the Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement when reviewing or revoking the host's Local Law 18 registration under Admin. Code §26-3102.
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