Los Angeles County, CA Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum annual occupancy by host
- 275 days/calendar year
- Documentation required
- 2 of: driver's license, voter registration, utility bill, property tax bill, lease agreement, vehicle registration
- ADUs eligible?
- No
Summary
Only a host's primary residence may be registered; the host must live there at least 275 days per year, must document it with two official records, and ADUs, vacation rentals, and rent-restricted units are ineligible.
"Primary Residence" means a Host's permanent residence or usual place of return for housing as documented by at least two (2) of the following in the Host's name: motor vehicle registration, driver's license, voter registration, property tax bills (showing the Host's residence), lease agreement, or utility bill. A Host may have only one (1) Primary Residence. A Host must reside on the property for a minimum of two hundred seventy-five (275) Days per calendar year either in the Primary Residence, or in an Accessory Dwelling Unit or in a detached Residential Unit in accord with Section 7.96.030.K.
[§ 7.96.050] Short-Term Rentals are not permitted in Rent Restricted Primary Residences.C.Short-Term Rentals are not permitted in Vacation Rentals.D.Short-Term Rentals are not permitted in Accessory Dwelling Units nor any other form or type of habitable accessory structure, such as guesthouses, pool houses, or recreation rooms.
Full Breakdown
Section 7.96.030(P) defines Primary Residence as the Host's permanent home, documented by at least two official records in the Host's name (driver's license, voter registration, utility bill, property tax bill showing host's residence, lease agreement, or vehicle registration). A host may have only one Primary Residence and must reside there at least 275 days per calendar year. Sections 7.96.050(B)-(D) further prohibit STRs in rent-restricted units, vacation rentals, and ADUs or other accessory structures such as guesthouses, pool houses, or recreation rooms. Hosts cannot register a second home, investment property, or detached in-law unit as an STR.
Violations & Fines
Operating an ineligible property as an STR is a violation of Chapter 7.96 and can result in denial or revocation of the Registration Certificate and fines up to $2,000 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent my vacation cabin as a short-term rental?
Can I register the ADU behind my house for short-term rentals?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
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