LA County Imposes New Restrictions on Airbnb & Short-term Rentals

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved new regulations for short-term rental hosts in the unincorporated areas of the county, covering over 2,650 square miles and serving approximately a million residents. These rules, aimed at maintaining a balance between long-term housing availability and neighborhood quality of life, will come into effect 180 days from now, around mid-September.

Key Points for Hosts

Short-term rental hosts will need to register with the county and pay an annual fee of $914. A subsidy may be available during the first year for lower-income homeowners venturing into rentals. Rules prohibit listing ADUs, guesthouses, vacation homes, or boats as short-term rentals, limiting hosts to their primary residence.

Regulatory Details

Hosts are restricted to one short-term rental at a time, limited to their primary residence, and can't accept more than one booking per night. Rentals must be 30 days or less, with occupancy limits and prohibitions on hosting events or parties with an admission fee.

Enforcement Measures

Non-compliance could lead to registration revocation, booking cancellations, and fines up to $2,000 per day or double the nightly rate charged. Hosting platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo may also face fines if they fail to verify and display the county-issued registration number for each property.

Differing Opinions

Opponents argue that these regulations are unnecessary and burdensome for hosts, citing their role in providing essential income streams and services. However, supporters emphasize the importance of protecting long-term housing options and preventing short-term rentals from exacerbating affordability challenges in communities.

The new regulations represent a step towards managing short-term rentals responsibly, ensuring a balance between economic opportunities and housing stability in Los Angeles County's unincorporated areas.