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Los Angeles County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Guests per bedroom: 2
Additional guests allowed above bedroom count: 2
Maximum guests per booking (absolute cap): 12
ADUs permitted as STR: No
Guesthouses/pool houses permitted as STR: No
Garages/sheds/vehicles permitted as STR: No

Summary

Short-term rental guests in unincorporated LA County are limited to two persons per bedroom plus two additional people, with an absolute maximum of 12 guests per booking.

City-specific rules exist: Altadena, Inglewood, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Lakewood, Pomona, Norwalk, Palmdale, Torrance, El Monte, Santa Clarita, Lancaster, Long Beach, Burbank, and Los Angeles have their own occupancy limits rules that differ from Los Angeles County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

C.Guest Occupancy. Guest occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom, plus two, with a maximum occupancy of 12 guests per booking or reservation. E.Prohibited Uses. The following shall not be used for short-term rentals:1.Habitable accessory structures, including, but not limited to, accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units, guesthouses, pool houses, and recreation rooms;2.Non-habitable structures, including, but not limited to, garages, storage sheds, and vehicles; and3.Temporary structures used as a place of abode, including, but not limited to, houseboats, tents, and treehouses.

Source: LA County Code Title 7, Division 3 - Short-Term Rentals RegistrationView official code

Full Breakdown

ADUs, junior ADUs, guesthouses, pool houses, and recreation rooms cannot be used as short-term rentals regardless of registration status. Non-habitable structures (garages, storage sheds, vehicles) and temporary structures (tents, houseboats, treehouses) are also prohibited as STRs. Enforcement falls under both zoning Chapter 22.242 and Title 7, Division 3 business licensing rules.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding occupancy limits or using prohibited structure types for STRs is subject to zoning enforcement under Chapter 22.242 and may result in revocation of the host's Title 7 registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many guests can I host in my 3-bedroom house?

3 bedrooms x 2 = 6 plus 2 additional = 8 guests maximum (well under the 12-guest cap).

Can I list my guesthouse on Airbnb?

No: guesthouses and habitable accessory structures cannot be used for short-term rentals.

Can I host 12 guests in a 1-bedroom unit?

No: a 1-bedroom unit allows only 2+2 = 4 guests; the 12-guest cap is an absolute maximum, not a floor.

Sources & Official References

[1]Los Angeles County Code of Ordinances (Municode)

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All Los Angeles County rules

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