Santa Monica, CA Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Noise standard
- Must comply with Chapter 4.12 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code
- Host liability
- Responsible for actively preventing guest nuisances
- Safety equipment required
- Fire extinguisher, smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector
Summary
Home-share hosts are personally responsible for ensuring guests comply with Santa Monica's noise ordinance (Chapter 4.12) and must actively prevent any nuisance activities arising from their home-share, not merely respond after the fact.
§ 6.20.020(a)(4) Takes responsibility for and actively prevents any nuisance activities that may take place as a result of home-sharing activities.
§ 6.20.020(a)(11) Complies with all applicable laws, including the noise limitations set forth in Chapter 4.12 of this Code, and all health, safety, building, fire protection, and rent control laws.
§ 6.20.020(a)(5) Ensures that basic health and safety features are provided, including fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors.
Full Breakdown
The home-sharing ordinance incorporates the city's general noise code by reference and adds an affirmative duty: hosts must actively prevent nuisance activities, not just avoid contributing to them. Hosts are also required to ensure safety equipment is present including fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors. A neighbor noise complaint can result in permit revocation in addition to any noise ordinance penalties.
Violations & Fines
Violations are punishable as an infraction (up to $750 fine) or misdemeanor (up to $1,000 fine and/or up to 6 months in County Jail). Failure to prevent recurring nuisances can also result in revocation of the home-sharing permit and business license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I liable if guests make noise late at night?
What happens if a neighbor complains about noise from my guests?
Are there specific quiet hours for home-shares?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
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