Hawthorne, CA Short-Term Rentals: Registration Rules (2026)

Registration in Hawthorne is a multi-step process tied to Chapter 17.74. An operator must apply for a Short-Term Rental Permit with the Planning Department, providing the applicant's name, address, email, and telephone number, plus 24-hour local emergency contact information so the city and neighbors can reach a responsible person at any time. The applicant must also obtain and maintain a current business license under Chapter 5.02 and procure a transient occupancy tax (TOT) registration certificate under Chapter 3.40 before collecting any rent. A notarized affidavit attesting to fire and building safety compliance is part of the application, as is proof of liability insurance. Applications and fees are submitted online through the city's Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal. Permits are not transferable in the casual sense; they are tied to the specific dwelling and operator and must be renewed annually on a showing of substantial compliance, including up-to-date business license taxes and regular TOT remittance. Because the permit is conditioned on the unit remaining either a primary residence (host on-site) or a qualifying secondary residence owned by a Hawthorne primary resident, a change in the property's status can affect registration. California state law does not impose a statewide registry, so Hawthorne's layered registration requirement is a local addition beyond state baseline.