Airbnb Laws in Southern California—What Hosts Need to Know

Chula Vista, California, Vacation Rental Laws

Chula Vista Airbnb Laws: Liability Insurance Now Required 

Chula Vista, California, passed new Airbnb laws and certain sections of this regulation which went into effect on February 1, 2022, one being Section 5.68.110 – Operational Requirements.  This includes items such as 2-day minimum stays, safety requirements, insurance, quiet hours, maximum occupancies, and more.  It’s important to understand the new regulations and ensure that you’re in compliance to avoid any fines. 

The following laws and regulations are in place:  

• Licensing: Must apply for a business license.  
• Hosting Limits: A maximum of two STRs per resident. 
• Tax: Valid Transient Occupancy Tax  
• Upload Documents: Primary Residency Declaration, Photo ID, Proof of Primary Residency 
• Insurance: the  City of Chula Vista  now has an insurance requirement stating: “The permittee shall maintain and provide proof to City of liability insurance appropriate to cover the Short-Term Rental use in the aggregate of no less than one million dollars; or conduct each Short-Term Rental transaction through a Hosting Platform that provides equal or greater insurance coverage.” – Section 5.68.110.(D).

Del Mar, California, Airbnb Regulations

Restricts Short-term Rentals to Commercial Zones as Part of New Airbnb Law 

In 2017, Del Mar enacted a strict ban on short-term rentals in residential zones as part of new Airbnb laws. Seven years later, these ordinances still stand, limiting the number of zones within the city in which short-term rentals can operate to commercial zones and areas zoned Residential-Commercial and Visitor Commercial.

The following laws and regulations are in place:   

• Zoning: Short-term rentals are allowed in residential-commercial and visitor-commercial districts. Home exchanges are still allowed in all areas so long as money is not exchanged for the arrangement. 
• Licensing: The host needs to register with the city.  
• Principle and Guidelines: The city has created a list of goals to include in the upcoming regulations which include respect for neighbors, land and community, safety measures as well clear communication for how to create a solution for STRs that operate in Del Mar. 
• More Information: Check the City of Del Mar’s website for updates.   

Dana Point, California, Vacation Rental Laws

Airbnb Laws Continue to Develop

Dana Point has seen an influx of owners joining the short-term rental market since its first Airbnb laws in 2016. The city attributes this growth to the increased popularity of online platforms such as Airbnb or Vrbo along with the attraction of a coastal vacation.  There are currently 134 registered short-term rental properties in the city  despite stringent short-term rental regulations. 

The city continues to come back to short-term rental regulations as a method to “maintain the character of Dana Point neighborhoods by discouraging absentee corporate STR ownership, protecting against nuisances, and balancing the rights and responsibilities of all residents and homeowners.”  

In this effort, Chapter 5.38 Short-Term Rental Business Regulations includes the following requirements:   

• Safety: Short-term rentals shall comply with all applicable codes regarding fire, building and safety, and all other relevant laws and ordinances.  Short-term rental units pass an initial inspection by the city prior to permit issuance.  
• Parking: Short-term rentals must have a minimum of two off-street parking spaces.  
• Advertising: All advertising for the short-term rental shall include the City-issued permit number.  
• Minimum Stay Requirements: Short-term rentals will have a minimum stay of two consecutive nights.  
• Noise: The owner shall ensure that the occupants of the short-term rental do not create unreasonable noise or disturbances, engage in disorderly conduct, or violate any provisions of the law.  

Owners can opt into updates to short-term rental regulations by visiting the Dana Point government website and emailing: str@danapoint.org.  

It would appear the city is primarily concerned with the safety and livability of the community. Hosts can assist by using preventative measures at their short-term rental property, such as a noise monitoring system that is active during bookings. This is a reliable way to comply with noise and nuisance restrictions and make sure guests aren’t getting rowdy during their stay.  

Encinitas, California, STR Regulations

Now Requires Liability Insurance as Part of New Airbnb Laws

As of December 8th, 2021, the City of Encinitas, California, passed new Airbnb laws under Ordinance NO. 2021-22. Airbnb laws under Ordinance NO. 2021-22.  The city believes that the amended laws will lead to better regulation of vacation rentals, as neighbors have started to complain.  Complaints have ranged from excessive noise to disorderly conduct as well as traffic concerns. 

The following laws and regulations are in place: 

• Rules: Must be compliant with rules by avoiding public nuisance, large gatherings, loud noises, and follow state and local codes. 
• Point of Contact: If any of the guidelines are violated, there must be a person on call, and they must respond at least one hour after the initial call. Failure to respond can result in penalties outlined on Ordinance No. 2121-22. 
• Occupancy: Two persons are allowed per bedroom plus one additional person per dwelling. Minimum of three nights per stay.  
• Parking: All designated on-site parking spots must be made available. Parking on the street is prohibited. Sidewalks as well as neighbor’s property must be kept clear. 
• Trash: Trash must not be made visible except for designated trash days. 
• Notice to Neighbors: Hosts are required to give adjacent neighbors within 300 feet of the STR property the contact number as listed above that can be reached at all times and hours as well as a copy of the good neighbor policy form provided by the city.  
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): Must pay TOT taxes which includes cleaning fees, resort fees, and other fees to be included in the STR rent fee.  
• Outdoor Fire Pits: No open wood fire pits, bonfires or campfires are permitted at STRs. Natural gas and propane fireplaces and firepits with tanks smaller than 20-pound tanks are acceptable outside but must be at least 10 feet away from any structures or flammable materials.  
• Insurance: Requirement of at least $1 million in liability by short-term rental insurance, indicating that standard homeowner’s policies would not suffice as it does not cover the business operations of an Airbnb or Vrbo.“Evidence of liability insurance for the property in an amount of at least one million dollars to cover the short-term rental operations, which insurance shall be maintained during the entire time of any permit issued by the city.  Renewal must be provided to the City before the expiration of the insurance on file” -Ordinance NO. 2021-22 . Learn more about Proper’s comprehensive coverage with $1 million in commercial liability. 
• Other: No special events, commercial filming, or recreational vehicles permitted, and other rules apply.

Laguna Beach, California, Airbnb Regulations

2019 Airbnb Law Reverses Previous Ban on Short-term Rentals

Laguna Beach has joined a slew of cities limiting new short-term rentals as part of their Airbnb laws. After a near-total ban back in 2017 and an overturn of the said ban in 2019, the city council has reached a decision in regard to new Airbnbs and Vrbos. New short-term rentals will be confined to mixed-use and commercial zones within the city. Existing short-term rentals within residential districts are grandfathered in and may continue to operate. However, only 20% of units in permitted zones may be allowed to be converted into short-term rentals.  

• Licensing: The other requirement for the continued operation of a short-term rental in Laguna Beach is the application and approval of a permit with the city. In order to be approved, an owner must submit: 
  • The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the owner, operator(s), and Point of Contact for the subject short-term lodging unit, and the address of the proposed short-term lodging unit
  • The days of the week, weeks of the month, and/or months of the year that the proposed short-term lodging unit will be available for rent on a short-term basis, and the minimum length of stay that the STR will be advertised
  • Number of bedrooms, the applicable overnight and daytime occupancy, and the number of on-site parking spaces
  • A site plan and floor plan, drawn to scale, depicting the site layout, trash storage area that must be concealed from public view, parking area, and a floor plan of the entire unit/rooms to be rented for short-term lodging purposes
  • Acknowledgment of receipt and inspection of the Good Neighbor brochure
  • Evidence that the residence/premises passed a safety inspection conducted by the Laguna Beach Fire Department 
  • An estimate of the daily rental fee that will be charged for occupancy of the unit(s)
  • An application fee established by resolution of the City Council, except for Use Permit applications for home share units. The Use Permit fees are waived for home-shared units
• Insurance: Evidence that the use of the property is eligible for liability insurance (homeowners or rental property insurance) in the amount of not less than $500,000.00 to cover injuries, damages, losses, and other claims associated with the short-term lodging
• Point of Contact: local contact person who will be available to physically be able, if necessary, to respond within 60 minutes of notification of a problem resulting from the short-term lodging unit

While Laguna Beach is requiring a $500,000 liability insurance, a standard homeowner’s policy is not enough to cover every situation that a short-term rental may encounter. Bedbugs, squatters, and loss of business income protection are all concerns to think about when  

Los Angeles, California, Short-Term Rental Laws

Puts Forth New Airbnb Laws

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, Los Angeles has a booming short-term rental market, which has led lawmakers to pass additional Airbnb laws to better regulate the industry and keep both hosts and guests safe.  

• Licensing: To register for Home-Sharing, an applicant needs to file an application with the Department of City Planning in a manner provided by the Department which includes:  
  • Information needed to verify the Host’s identification and Primary Residence 
  • Identification of a local responsible contact person 
  • A list of all Hosting Platforms to be used 
  • Whether HomeSharing is for an entire Rental Unit or a portion thereof 
  • A Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate from the Office of Finance 
  • And any other information required by the instructions on the application and/or by the Guidelines promulgated by the Director of Planning 

The permit is valid for one year from the issue date and may be renewed with the city so long as they have complied with regulations the previous year and have a tax account in good standing. Unfortunately, units in rent-stabilized areas under Chapter 15 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code are not eligible for short-term rentals. 

In addition, owners are required to adhere to all local noise ordinances and safety codes and must provide a code of conduct to all guests.  

Newport Beach, California, Airbnb Statutes

Reviews Airbnb Laws and Regulations 

The City recently voted on additional Airbnb laws in Newport Beach, such as limiting the overall short-term rental permits issued in the City to 1,600, where the current number issued is 1,465. Hosts are allowed to operate their businesses with a granted short-term rental permit and a business license.  

To check if their property is permissible as a short-term rental, hosts can enter their address on the Newport Beach government website. City officials plan to have the new ordinance to present before June 31, 2021.  Further requirements for the permitted short-term rentals:  

• Point of Contact: The owner must provide the City with the name of the local contact person who is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  
• Fines: The owner understands that he/she assumes responsibility for all guests’ activities; violations may result in fines issued to the property owner and/or guests.  
• Noise & Safety: The owner shall use best efforts to ensure that the guests of the short-term lodging unit do not create unreasonable noise or disturbances, engage in disorderly conduct, or violate provisions of this code or any State Law pertaining to noise, disorderly conduct, the consumption of alcohol, or the use of illegal drugs.  

With preliminary regulations cropping up across the U.S., we have found that insurance requirements are not far behind. Once cities and counties recognize that short-term rentals are indeed businesses, and require hosts to obtain a business license, requiring proper insurance coverage is the natural next step. 

Palm Desert, California, Airbnb Laws

Understand STR Laws in Palm Desert

The City of Palm Desert, California, strictly regulates short-term rentals (STRs) through Palm Desert Municipal Code Chapter 5.10. Palm Desert’s Short-Term Rental Program was designed to preserve neighborhood peace, reduce noise and parking complaints, and ensure hosts operate safely and responsibly.

• Licensing & Registration: Anyone renting their property for 27 consecutive nights or fewer must first obtain a City STR Permit and a business license. Applications are submitted through the City’s Short-Term Rental Portal and must include owner and operator contact information, the number of bedrooms, and a signed acknowledgment of the City’s Good Neighbor Brochure. 
• Stay Duration & Occupancy: The minimum stay in Palm Desert is 3 days and 2 nights. Overnight guests are capped at two people per bedroom. Daytime occupancy between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. allows up to two additional guests per bedroom. More than 20 guests (in large homes) are never allowed. 
• Zoning: Palm Desert limits STRs to specific residential zones outlined in §5.10.070. They are not permitted in R-1 or R-2 zones unless the host lives on-site, and ADUs or apartment units cannot be rented short-term. Each property must maintain its residential appearance with no business signage or event advertising permitted. View the Property Eligibility Map for more information. 
• Noise & Quiet Hours: Palm Desert enforces quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m., prohibiting outdoor amplified sound, parties, or nuisance behavior. Hosts must provide written notice of these rules to guests as part of the rental agreement. Repeat violations can trigger escalating fines or permit suspension. 
• Parking & Trash: All STR guest parking must occur on-site in the garage, carport, or driveway. Street parking is prohibited for STR activity. Properties must remain well maintained; trash may not be stored in public view except on collection days.  
• Point of Contact: Each STR must have a 24/7 local contact available to respond to complaints within 30 minutes. Before guests arrive, the responsible person must verify identification, provide the Good Neighbor Brochure, review occupancy and noise rules, and post the City STR permit inside the property. 
• Insurance: While the municipal code does not list a universal liability minimum, hosts are encouraged to maintain robust short-term rental insurance coverage. Insurance must meet or exceed any requirements listed on the permit or renewal documents. 
• Taxes: All stays under 28 days are subject to Palm Desert’s 11% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) plus a 1% Tourism Business Improvement District fee. Taxes are due monthly, even if the property was not rented that month. Many platforms remit these taxes automatically, but owners remain responsible for ensuring full compliance. See the Finance Department’s TOT page for filing instructions and view Tax Requirements for Airbnbs in Palm Desert. 
• Enforcement & Fines: Palm Desert enforces its STR laws aggressively to preserve neighborhood quality. Operating without a permit carries a $5,000 fine per violation. Operational violations can result in:  $1,000 for the first offense, $3,000 for a second offense within 12 months, and a $5,000 fine and two-year permit revocation for a third offense. Code Compliance officers investigate all complaints, and repeat offenders may permanently lose eligibility to host short-term rentals in Palm Desert. 
• More Information: Find more information on the City of Palm Desert’s STR Page. 

Santa Monica, California, Airbnb Regulations 

Settles With Airbnb—New Airbnb Laws Now In Effect 

• Licensing: Airbnb will require all listings to have a City License number. License numbers are provided to hosts who register to home share and acquire a business permit and license. 
• Hosting Requirements: Airbnb will only allow each host to list one home or dwelling. Airbnb will remove listings that violate this requirement after January 20, 2020. 
• Fees: Airbnb will collect and pay the City $2 for each night booked at any listing in Santa Monica. 
• Other: Airbnb will provide regular reports to the City to ensure compliance and to support City enforcement efforts. 

Residents overall agree that this creates a reasonable system to protect the City’s housing supply. City Attorney Lane Dilg says, “This agreement with Airbnb will make the City’s enforcement efforts less costly and more effective; most importantly, it will preserve housing for our residents. This is a positive outcome for Santa Monica.”

According to a city report, short-term rental listings in Glendale have grown by 33% over the past year, from 510 to 679 listings. Local hosts provided varying responses to regulations and while hesitant over requiring a licensing process, the hosts overall supported compliance surrounding guidelines for parking, trash, or noise concerns. Certain hosts suggested cameras or sound-monitoring equipment to monitor their properties.

Thousand Palms, California, STR Laws 

Find the Airbnb Laws in Thousand Palms, CA to Stay Complaint 

Riverside County’s Short-Term Rental (STR) Program was first adopted under Ordinance No. 927.1 in October 2022 and later refined by Ordinance No. 927.2 in December 2023. The program was designed to ensure neighborhood compatibility, reduce conflicts within residential areas, support local economic growth, and protect the health, safety, and general welfare of County residents. 

In March 2025, the Board of Supervisors enacted Ordinance No. 449.254 establishing a temporary moratorium on new STR certificates in Thousand Palms and B Bar H Ranch while permanent updates to the STR ordinance are under review. The moratorium, later extended through Ordinance No. 449.255, reflects the County’s effort to balance hosting opportunities with community preservation and public safety. 

• Definition of Short-Term Rental in Thousand Palms: A short-term rental (STR) in unincorporated Riverside County is a legally owned residential dwelling rented to guests for fewer than 30 consecutive days (minimum stay: two days/one night). Eligible dwellings can include a single-family home, ADU, junior ADU, second unit, guest quarters, or ranchette unit, so long as the use isn’t prohibited by state law or recorded restrictions and the property follows the County’s Short-Term Rental Program. 
• Licensing: Hosts must apply for a STR Certificate through Riverside County Transportation &  Land  Management  Agency. New STR certificates are suspended until Friday, February 28, 2026. Existing permitted STRs may continue to operate.  
• Registration: Thousand Palms vacation rental hosts must also register with the Riverside County Treasurer for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) purposes. Other forms required for certification include a Proof of Ownership or a copy of the Grant Deed, an Applicant-Property Owner Authorization form, a Hold Harmless Agreement, and a Self-Certification Checklist form. Existing applications must be renewed annually, with individual certificates required for each STR property. Under the moratorium, new STR certificates are suspended as of February 28, 2026. Existing, licensed STRs may continue. 
• Zoning: The County of Riverside limits short-term rental permits by location: 
  • Idyllwild restricts STR permits to 2 per owner, with no more than 500 short-term rentals allowed. STRs in Idyllwild may not be closer than a 150-foot radius.  
  • Wine Country (Temecula Wine County Policy Area) restricts Certificates to 2 per owner, with no more than 129 rental licenses allowed. Wine Country STRs may not be within a 500-foot radius of each other. 
• Insurance Requirements: While insurance is not a requirement for Riverside County STRs, hosts are strongly advised to maintain a commercial-grade policy that includes liability, property, and loss-of-income coverage appropriate for short-term rental use. Standard Homeowners or Landlord policies often exclude this exposure. 
• Occupancy: Occupancy in Wine Country is categorized and specified by District. The Residential District, Equestrian District, and North Wine Country are categorized in Class I. The Winery District is categorized as Class I and Class II; eligibility for Class II requires that at least half of the property’s net acreage be planted with vineyards or agricultural crops.  
  • Properties in Wine County Class I may have a maximum of 10 occupants; Class II can have a maximum of 20 occupants. Wine Country STRs must host responsible guests at least 25 years old. 
• Property Information Signage: Hosts must provide a conspicuous sign on the property listing the certificate number, local contact, emergency contacts, parking info, and house rules. 
• Taxes: Hosts must collect and remit a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on gross rental income to the County. Registration and payments are managed through the Riverside County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office. Even if a booking platform remits taxes, hosts remain responsible for compliance. 
• Noise & Quiet Hours: Riverside County enforces quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Hosts must ensure guests comply and respond promptly to any noise complaints. 
• Parking & Property Care: STRs must provide adequate on-site parking and maintain properties in accordance with the County Code. Blocking roadways, trash accumulation, or nuisance conditions may trigger enforcement. 
• Point of Contact Person: A local, responsible contact must be available 24/7 and respond within 60 minutes to complaints. Hosts are encouraged to share the Good Neighbor Brochure and include house rules and emergency contacts in all rental listings. 
• Enforcement & Penalties: Operating without a valid certificate, violating noise or parking ordinances, or ignoring the moratorium may result in fines up to $5,000 per violation and potential permit suspension. 
• More Information: Find more information about Thousand Palms, CA, STR program. 

West Hollywood, California, STR Regulations

Reverses Moratorium on Short-term Rentals as Part of New Airbnb Laws 

The City of West Hollywood announced new regulations for short-term rentals, requiring all rental units to have a minimum lease term of one year starting January 1, 2025. This change extends the 31-day minimum for single-family residences and condominiums seen in the WeHo City Regulations. The enforcement process for violations includes warnings, escalating fines, and potential criminal prosecution.  

• 1-Year Minimum Lease Term: All rental units, including apartments and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), must be leased for at least one year. Starting January 1, 2025, this requirement will also apply to single-family residences and condominiums, increasing from the current 31-day minimum.
• Home Sharing License: For property owners that would like to rent out rooms on their property while also residing there, owners can apply for a Home Sharing Business License to host guests for less than 31 days. 
• Enforcement Process: Violations of these rental laws trigger a three-step enforcement process, beginning with a warning notice, followed by fines, and potentially leading to criminal prosecution if non-compliance continues. 
• Fines: Fines for rental violations start at 400% of the advertised rental rate and can escalate to 800%. For ads without listed prices, fines range from $1,000 to $5,000. 
• Reporting Violations: Residents can report suspected violations via phone, email, or online service requests, providing links to rental advertisements if possible.