Registration Rules: Santa Clarita vs Santa Monica
How do registration rules rules compare between Santa Clarita, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Santa Clarita has fewer restrictions than Santa Monica.
Santa Clarita, CA
Los Angeles County
Santa Clarita currently has no city-level STR permit requirement. State 120-day limit for primary residences applies. LA County TOT required. Business registration recommended.
View full Santa Clarita 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 | Santa Clarita | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| City STR Permit | Not currently required | - |
| State Cap | 120 days/year for primary residence | - |
| LA County TOT | Required — 12% in unincorporated areas | - |
| Business Registration | LA County TTC — (213) 974-2011 | - |
| Future Regulation | City may adopt rules; check for updates | - |
| 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.
Santa Clarita FAQ
Do I need to register my short-term rental with the City of Santa Clarita?
No. The city does not maintain an STR registry and does not require registration. However, you must comply with the 10% TOT and may need an LA County business license.
How do I pay the Transient Occupancy Tax?
Contact the City of Santa Clarita Finance Department for TOT remittance procedures. Some platforms like Airbnb may automatically collect and remit the tax on your behalf.
Is there a listing number I need to display on my Airbnb listing?
No. Santa Clarita does not require a permit number, registration number, or license number to be displayed on rental listings.
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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