Santa Monica, CA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)
Short-term rental permit rules in Santa Monica, CA, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Key Facts
- Permits required
- City home-sharing permit + business license
- Primary residency proof
- At least 2 qualifying documents (driver's license, voter reg, utility bill, etc.)
- Prior residency requirement
- At least 12 months for long-term resident applicants
- Permit term
- Matches business license period (annual)
- Transfer allowed
- No: permits are non-transferable
- Penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine or 6 months jail
Summary
Santa Monica only allows home-sharing (hosted stays) and requires both a City home-sharing permit and a business license before renting any bedroom short-term. The host must prove primary residency and comply with extensive application conditions.
§ 6.20.021(a) Application Required. To obtain a home-sharing permit for a dwelling unit, a host shall submit an application on a form to be provided by the City and signed by the host under penalty of perjury. The application for the home-sharing permit shall include the following information: (1) Address of the proposed home-share; (2) Type of dwelling unit; (3) Whether the applicant is an owner or long-term resident; (4) If applicable, proof that the applicant is a long-term resident; (5) Proof that the proposed home-share is the primary residence of the applicant; (6) The name and contact information for any other eligible residents of the proposed home-share who will be serving as hosts, together with proof that each identified host is an eligible resident of the proposed home-share; (7) The square footage of the proposed home-share; (8) The number of bedrooms in the proposed home-share; (9) The maximum number of visitors per night, which shall not exceed the maximum permitted in accordance with Section 6.20.020(a)(6); (10) Proof of insurance; (11) Certification that the host will comply with all provisions of this Chapter and all regulations promulgated pursuant to this Chapter or be subject to the revocation of his or her home-sharing permit and business license.
Full Breakdown
Hosts must submit a signed application under penalty of perjury that includes proof the property is their primary residence, proof of long-term residency (at least 12 prior months), proof of insurance, proof of bedroom count and square footage, and a list of any co-hosts. Permits cannot be transferred or assigned. Material changes require an amended application within 30 days. The permit term matches the host's annual business license period.
Violations & Fines
Violations are punishable as an infraction (fine up to $750) or misdemeanor (fine up to $1,000 and/or up to 6 months in County Jail). Violators must also pay all back Transient Occupancy Taxes, investigative costs, and remit all illegally obtained rental revenue to the City.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need both a home-sharing permit and a business license?
Can a renter (tenant) operate a home-share?
Is the permit transferable if I sell my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
How Santa Monica compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California short-term rentals overview
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Short-Term Rental Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle short-term rental permits.