Registration Rules: Los Angeles vs Santa Monica
How do registration rules rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Los Angeles and Santa Monica have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
LA requires Home-Sharing Registration through the Planning Department HSR system. Primary-residence-only, 89 dollar fee, registration number must appear on all platform listings.
View full Los Angeles 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 | Los Angeles | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 89 dollars | - |
| Primary residence | 6+ months per year required | - |
| Registration display | Required on all listings | - |
| Renewal | Annual | - |
| Max fine | 2,000 dollars per day | - |
| Vacation Rentals | - | Prohibited |
| Home-Sharing | - | Host must live on-site |
| Registration | - | Business license required |
| Code | - | SMMC Ch. 6.20 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can I rent out a second home or investment property?
No. LA restricts short-term rentals to primary residences only. Rent-controlled units and post-2016 ADUs are also ineligible under the HSO.
Do I still need to register for a small number of bookings?
Yes. Any short-term rental of fewer than 30 consecutive days requires HSR registration, regardless of how few nights you plan to host.
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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