Santa Monica, California

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Los Angeles County

Conditional

STR Status

Permit: RequiredOwner Occupancy RequiredBusiness License Required
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/7/2026

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
Renewalsame period as business license
Business License RequiredYes
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredYes
Primary Residence RequiredYes
Insurance RequiredYes

Limits & Restrictions

Parking RequiredYes

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOTContact city for rates

Official Sources

ecode360.com/42735096
Data confidence: 96%Last updated: June 7, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Santa Monica, California

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Santa Monica, California are allowed under certain conditions. Operators must obtain a permit. The property must be owner-occupied.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Santa Monica, California?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed under certain conditions in Santa Monica, California. The property must be owner-occupied.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Santa Monica?

A short-term rental permit is required, a business license is also required.

Where do these Santa Monica short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Santa Monica's official short-term rental ordinance and updated when the rules change.

Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, or California authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.