Are short-term rentals allowed in El Monte, CA?

**No**, short-term rentals are effectively prohibited in El Monte. The city's zoning code does not list short-term rentals as a permitted use in any residential zone. Under permissive zoning rules, unlisted uses are not allowed, essentially banning short-term rentals. Check with the city for details.

What is the TOT tax rate in El Monte, CA?

**0.1% TOT** (Transient Occupancy Tax) is the rate applied to short-term rentals in El Monte. Although STRs are effectively prohibited, this tax still applies to any transient occupancy. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax. Consult the city's finance department for detailed instructions.

Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in El Monte, CA?

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in El Monte, though standard state and county regulations may still apply. However, given that short-term rentals are not a permitted use in any residential zone, operating one would violate city zoning laws. Always confirm with the city.

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in El Monte, CA?

**Operating an illegal** short-term rental in El Monte can result in fines and legal action. Since STRs are not a permitted use, operating one would violate city zoning laws. Always check with the city planning and zoning department to understand current regulations and potential penalties for non-compliance.

El Monte, CA Short-Term Rental Laws...

Gold Standard Verification

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Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

3 Official Sources

Summary

Short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) are effectively PROHIBITED in the City of El Monte. The city's zoning code does not list short-term rentals, transient habitation, or home-sharing as a permitted use in any residential zone, and under permissive zoning, unlisted uses are not allowed.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Banned in all/most residential zones
•All residential property types prohibited
•Severe night cap: 0 nights/year
•Long minimum stay: 30 nights
•Reporting required
•No STR-specific permit required
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in El Monte, you must rent for 30 consecutive days or longer. Short-term rentals of less than 30 days are not permitted in residential neighborhoods because the city zoning code does not explicitly allow them. If you operate a long-term rental, you still need a city business license, but you do not need to pay the Transient Occupancy Tax (which only applies to stays under 30 days).

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.STRs are prohibited in all residential zones (R-1 through R-4).
2.Stays of 30 days or more are considered long-term and are allowed.
3.El Monte uses 'permissive zoning,' meaning if the code doesn't say 'Yes' to STRs, the answer is 'No'.
4.A 10% Transient Occupancy Tax exists in the municipal code, but it is primarily applied to hotels/motels.
5.Check if your property is in Unincorporated Los Angeles County instead of the City of El Monte, as different rules apply there.
6.Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are also prohibited from being used as short-term rentals per state and local restrictions.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•El Monte, CA: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•El Monte: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are also prohibited from being used as short-term rentals per state and local restrictions.
•El Monte: STRs are prohibited in all residential zones (R-1 through R-4).

Requirements(12)

•El Monte, CA: Hosts must report their rental activity monthly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
•El Monte: El Monte uses 'permissive zoning,' meaning if the code doesn't say 'Yes' to STRs, the answer is 'No'.
•El Monte: Stays of 30 days or more are considered long-term and are allowed.

Application Process(5)

•STR regulations overview for El Monte: Short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) are effectively PROHIBITED in the City of El Monte. The city's zoning code does not list short-term rentals, transient habitation, or home-sharing as a permitted use in any residential zone, and under permissive zoning, unlisted uses are not allowed.

Taxes(2)

•El Monte: A 10% Transient Occupancy Tax exists in the municipal code, but it is primarily applied to hotels/motels.
•El Monte charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 0.1%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax. Note: No Voluntary Collection Agreement (VCA) found; hosts must remit manually.

Limits & Restrictions(2)

•El Monte requires a minimum stay of 30 nights.
•El Monte enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM (General Noise Ordinance).

Safety Requirements(1)

•El Monte requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher.

Penalties(3)

•El Monte: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.
•El Monte, CA: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.
•El Monte enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Violation of Zoning Code (Title 17). Daily fine: Varies per administrative citation schedule. Criminal penalties may apply.

Exemptions(3)

•El Monte exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days).
•El Monte, CA: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•El Monte: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

California

Strict

The City of Los Angeles requires all short-term rental hosts to register for a Home-Sharing permit and only permits the rental of one's primary residence. Stays are capped at 120 days per year unless an Extended Home-Sharing permit is obtained, and rentals in RSO-regulated buildings or newer ADUs are strictly prohibited.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Anaheim

California

Prohibited

Short-term rentals in Anaheim are strictly limited to approximately 277 'pre-moratorium' operators who were grandfathered in 2019. The city currently prohibits the issuance of any new STR permits. Allowed operators must follow rigid 'Good Neighbor' policies, enforce a 3-night minimum stay, and pay a 15% Transient Occupancy Tax.

Permit required

15.0% total tax

Mammoth Lakes

California

Moderate

Short-term rentals are heavily regulated in Mammoth Lakes and generally restricted to multi-family and resort zones (RMF-2, Resort, etc.). Hosts must obtain an STR Certificate and a Business Tax Certificate, and pay a total TOT rate of 13%. Stays of 31 days or longer are exempt from these regulations.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Big Bear Lake

California

Strict

The City of Big Bear Lake regulates short-term rentals under Chapter 5.44, requiring an annual license, rigorous safety inspections, and a strict guest limit of 2 per bedroom plus 2. Owners are limited to 2 licenses total and must remit a 9% combined TOT and TBID tax quarterly.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

El Monte

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(5)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(2)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(3)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Anaheim

Mammoth Lakes

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El Monte

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

1Are short-term rentals allowed in El Monte, CA?

2What is the TOT tax rate in El Monte, CA?

3Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in El Monte, CA?

4What happens if I operate an illegal STR in El Monte, CA?

Related Content

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

Anaheim

Mammoth Lakes

Big Bear Lake