Primary-Residence-Only Rule: Los Angeles vs San Francisco
How do primary-residence-only rule rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco, CA?
Los Angeles and San Francisco have similar restriction levels.
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 →San Francisco, CA
San Francisco County
San Francisco bars short-term rentals unless the unit is the host's primary residence. Hosts must occupy the home at least 275 nights per year and register with the Office of Short-Term Rentals before listing on Airbnb, Vrbo, or any platform.
View full San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Code section | - | Police Code 41A.5 |
| Occupancy minimum | - | 275 nights per year |
| Enacted | - | Ordinance 218-14 (2014) |
| Enforcement agency | - | Office of Short-Term Rentals |
| Daily fine | - | $484 per violation day |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
San Francisco FAQ
Can I rent out my second home in SF on Airbnb?
No. Section 41A bans STR listings of any unit that is not your verified primary residence. Second homes, investment properties, and pieds-a-terre cannot legally host stays under 30 nights.
How does SF prove a unit isn't a primary residence?
OSTR cross-checks utility records, voter rolls, DMV records, tax filings, and platform booking data. Hosts must submit two proofs at registration and respond to audit requests.
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