ADU Rental Restrictions: Los Angeles vs Pasadena
How do adu rental restrictions rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and Pasadena, CA?
Los Angeles and Pasadena have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles prohibits short-term rental of ADUs under LAMC Section 12.22 A.33 and California Government Code Section 65852.2(a)(6), which require ADU rentals to be 30 days or longer. Home-Sharing Ordinance LAMC 12.22 A.32 also excludes ADUs.
View full Los Angeles rules →Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Pasadena ADUs permitted after January 1, 2020 must be rented for terms of 30 days or more under California Government Code §65852.2(a)(7). Short-term rental of ADUs is generally not available because PMC §17.50.296 (Ordinance No. 7317) requires the host to occupy the property as a primary residence for at least nine months per year, and prohibits vacation rentals citywide. ADUs covered by Pasadena's Measure H rent stabilization (built before Feb 1, 1995, or otherwise within scope) may also have rent-cap obligations.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Rental Term | 31 days | - |
| Home-Sharing Eligible | No, ADUs excluded | - |
| Code Section | LAMC 12.22 A.32, A.33 | - |
| Daily Fine | $500 | - |
| State Law | Cal. Gov Code 65852.2(a)(6) | Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(7) |
| Long-Term (30+ days) | - | Permitted, no separate license |
| STR Permit | - | PMC §17.50.296 (Ord. 7317) |
| Owner Occupancy | - | 9+ months/year required |
| Un-Hosted Cap | - | 90 days/year |
| Vacation Rentals | - | Prohibited citywide |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can I list my Los Angeles ADU on Airbnb?
No. LAMC 12.22 A.32 excludes ADUs from home-sharing, and state law requires ADU rentals to be 31 days or longer. Airbnb and VRBO listings of ADUs are removed under the platform accountability ordinance.
What is the minimum rental term for a Los Angeles ADU?
31 days. Under Cal. Gov Code 65852.2(a)(6) and LAMC 12.22 A.33, ADU rentals shorter than 31 days are prohibited regardless of HCIDLA registration status.
Do I need a separate rental license for my Los Angeles ADU?
No separate STR license is available — ADUs cannot be short-term rented. For long-term rental, no separate business license is required, though RSO registration may apply for older buildings.
Pasadena FAQ
Can I rent my Pasadena ADU on Airbnb?
Generally no. PMC §17.50.296 requires the host to occupy the property as a primary residence for at least 9 months per year and prohibits vacation rentals citywide. ADUs permitted after January 1, 2020 must also be rented for 30 days or more under Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(7). Long-term tenancy is the standard path.
Does Pasadena rent control apply to ADUs?
Possibly. Pasadena's Measure H (City Charter Article XVIII, effective Dec 22, 2022) covers most residential properties built before February 1, 1995 with rent caps and just-cause eviction protections. Whether a specific ADU is covered depends on the parcel's building history — consult the Pasadena Rental Housing Board for a unit-specific determination.
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