Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in La Quinta?

**Yes**, La Quinta requires a Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) permit if your property is located in a Tourist Commercial zone or a designated HOA like PGA West. You need to secure the proper permit before hosting. A permanent moratorium exists for other residential zones.

What is the TOT tax rate in La Quinta?

**10% TOT** is the transient occupancy tax rate you're required to collect from guests in La Quinta. You need to remit this tax to the city yourself, even if you use platforms like Airbnb or VRBO, which might not collect local taxes. Tax rates vary; check with the city's finance department.

Are short-term rentals allowed in La Quinta?

**Potentially,** however, La Quinta currently enforces a permanent moratorium on new STVR permits in most residential zones. Permits are generally only available in specific areas, such as Tourist Commercial zones or within designated HOAs. Verify your property's eligibility with the city before operating.

How much does an STR permit cost in La Quinta?

**$1210** is the annual fee for the Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) permit in La Quinta. You need this permit to legally operate a short-term rental within eligible zones. Remember that most residential zones currently face a moratorium on new permits. Check with the city directly for current regulations.

Can renters host on Airbnb in La Quinta?

**No,** La Quinta requires that the property owner obtain the STVR permit. Tenants are not authorized to secure permits and operate short-term rentals. Verify your property's eligibility with the city before operating. Always check with the La Quinta zoning office before operating a short-term rental.

La Quinta

Prohibited

CaliforniaUpdated Feb 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 5 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 5

Summary

Plain-english overview

La Quinta currently enforces a permanent moratorium on new STVR permits in all residential zones. Permits are only available in specific areas like Tourist Commercial zones or designated HOAs (e.g., PGA West).

Restriction level

Severity 100

Classification

Prohibited

100

Severity

Why this classification

Banned in all/most residential zones
High permit fee: $1210
Limited to 1 property per owner
Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in La Quinta, you must first verify your property is even eligible; most homes in residential neighborhoods are currently banned from getting new permits. If you are in an exempt zone, you'll need a city business license, a specific STVR permit costing $1,210 annually, and a passed safety inspection. You must also collect 10% tax from guests and send it to the city yourself, even if you use Airbnb.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$1,210

Processing time30-60 days

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1New permits are BANNED in most residential zones (Permanent Moratorium).
2Stays under 30 days are strictly prohibited in ADUs/Casitas.
3Noise complaints are strictly enforced; amplified music is prohibited outdoors at all times.
4Permits are NOT transferable when a property is sold.
5Maximum occupancy is capped at 10 people, even for very large mansions.
6You must respond to any complaint within 20 minutes as the owner or local contact.
7TOT tax must be filed monthly or quarterly depending on volume, regardless of platform used.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility6 rules

La Quinta: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
La Quinta: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
La Quinta does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
La Quinta does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.

Requirements18 rules

La Quinta STR warning: Estate Home permits (5+ bedrooms) require an operable noise monitoring device at all times.
La Quinta STR warning: Airbnb does NOT collect or remit TOT in La Quinta; you must remit 11% total (TOT + TBID) yourself.

Application process8 rules

Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in La Quinta: Step 1: Verify Eligibility - Confirm your property is in an 'Exempt Area' or you qualify for a 'Homeshare' permit. New 'General' permits are banned in most residential zones. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://www.laquintaca.gov/our-city/short-term-vacation-rentals/stvr-map Step 2: Apply for Business License - Obtain a City Business License via the MuniRevs portal. Fee is based on estimated gross receipts. Documents needed: Owner identification, Tax ID. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. More info: https://laquinta.munirevs.com/ Step 3: Submit STVR Permit Application - Complete the online application through MuniRevs. Include required documentation and floor plans. Documents needed: Grant Deed, HOA Letter, Site/Floor Plan. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 300. More info: https://laquinta.munirevs.com/ Step 4: Pass Inspection - Schedule and pass a code compliance and safety inspection. This is mandatory for new and renewed permits. Estimated time: 1 week.

Fees & costs1 rule

La Quinta charges a registration fee of $300 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $1250 (Fees range from $300 (Homeshare) to $1,250 (Estate Home/General STVR). A 5% Technology Enhancement Fee applies to all.).

Taxes2 rules

La Quinta charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 10%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax. Note: Airbnb does not collect TOT in La Quinta; hosts must remit 10% TOT plus 1% TBID manually via MuniRevs.
La Quinta: Airbnb does NOT collect or remit TOT in La Quinta; you must remit 11% total (TOT + TBID) yourself.

Limits & restrictions6 rules

La Quinta occupancy calculation: 2 guests per bedroom, plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 10 total (unless Estate Home permit). Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
La Quinta: Property occupancy is strictly capped at 2 people per bedroom plus 2, max 10 total.
La Quinta enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Safety requirements1 rule

La Quinta requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Noise monitoring device (required for Estate Homes), Posting of Good Neighbor Brochure, Posting of STVR Permit.

Penalties3 rules

La Quinta enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $500. Second offense: $1,000. Third offense: $2,000. Maximum fine: $5,000 (per violation in some contexts). Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.
La Quinta: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions3 rules

La Quinta: Permanent ban on NEW General/Primary STVR permits in non-exempt residential zones since May 20, 2021.
La Quinta: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for La Quinta

0/4

steps completed

Step 1

Check Zoning and Moratorium Status

Verify your property is in an exempt zone (Tourist Commercial or specific HOA). New permits are prohibited in all standard residential zones.

1 dayFree

Official resource

Step 2

Obtain Business License

Apply for a La Quinta business license through the Finance Department.

7-14 days$61

Official resource

Step 3

Submit STVR Permit Application

Complete the online application including the $1,210 fee and required owner affidavits.

30 days$1,210

Documents needed

Insurance Certificate
Local Contact Affidavit
Floor Plan

Official resource

Step 4

Pass Fire and Life Safety Inspection

Schedule and pass a physical inspection of the property by city staff.

14 daysFree

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

La Quinta

Prohibited

CaliforniaUpdated Feb 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 5 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 5

Summary

Plain-english overview

Restriction level

Severity 100

Classification

Prohibited

100

Severity

Why this classification

Banned in all/most residential zones
High permit fee: $1210
Limited to 1 property per owner
Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$1,210

Processing time30-60 days

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1New permits are BANNED in most residential zones (Permanent Moratorium).
2Stays under 30 days are strictly prohibited in ADUs/Casitas.
3Noise complaints are strictly enforced; amplified music is prohibited outdoors at all times.
4Permits are NOT transferable when a property is sold.
5Maximum occupancy is capped at 10 people, even for very large mansions.
6You must respond to any complaint within 20 minutes as the owner or local contact.
7TOT tax must be filed monthly or quarterly depending on volume, regardless of platform used.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility6 rules

La Quinta: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
La Quinta: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
La Quinta does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
La Quinta does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.

Requirements18 rules

La Quinta STR warning: Estate Home permits (5+ bedrooms) require an operable noise monitoring device at all times.
La Quinta STR warning: Airbnb does NOT collect or remit TOT in La Quinta; you must remit 11% total (TOT + TBID) yourself.

Application process8 rules

Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in La Quinta: Step 1: Verify Eligibility - Confirm your property is in an 'Exempt Area' or you qualify for a 'Homeshare' permit. New 'General' permits are banned in most residential zones. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://www.laquintaca.gov/our-city/short-term-vacation-rentals/stvr-map Step 2: Apply for Business License - Obtain a City Business License via the MuniRevs portal. Fee is based on estimated gross receipts. Documents needed: Owner identification, Tax ID. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. More info: https://laquinta.munirevs.com/ Step 3: Submit STVR Permit Application - Complete the online application through MuniRevs. Include required documentation and floor plans. Documents needed: Grant Deed, HOA Letter, Site/Floor Plan. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 300. More info: https://laquinta.munirevs.com/ Step 4: Pass Inspection - Schedule and pass a code compliance and safety inspection. This is mandatory for new and renewed permits. Estimated time: 1 week.

Fees & costs1 rule

La Quinta charges a registration fee of $300 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $1250 (Fees range from $300 (Homeshare) to $1,250 (Estate Home/General STVR). A 5% Technology Enhancement Fee applies to all.).

Taxes2 rules

La Quinta charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 10%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax. Note: Airbnb does not collect TOT in La Quinta; hosts must remit 10% TOT plus 1% TBID manually via MuniRevs.
La Quinta: Airbnb does NOT collect or remit TOT in La Quinta; you must remit 11% total (TOT + TBID) yourself.

Limits & restrictions6 rules

La Quinta occupancy calculation: 2 guests per bedroom, plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 10 total (unless Estate Home permit). Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
La Quinta: Property occupancy is strictly capped at 2 people per bedroom plus 2, max 10 total.
La Quinta enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Safety requirements1 rule

La Quinta requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Noise monitoring device (required for Estate Homes), Posting of Good Neighbor Brochure, Posting of STVR Permit.

Penalties3 rules

La Quinta enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $500. Second offense: $1,000. Third offense: $2,000. Maximum fine: $5,000 (per violation in some contexts). Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.
La Quinta: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions3 rules

La Quinta: Permanent ban on NEW General/Primary STVR permits in non-exempt residential zones since May 20, 2021.
La Quinta: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for La Quinta

0/4

steps completed

Step 1

Check Zoning and Moratorium Status

Verify your property is in an exempt zone (Tourist Commercial or specific HOA). New permits are prohibited in all standard residential zones.

1 dayFree

Official resource

Step 2

Obtain Business License

Apply for a La Quinta business license through the Finance Department.

7-14 days$61

Official resource

Step 3

Submit STVR Permit Application

Complete the online application including the $1,210 fee and required owner affidavits.

30 days$1,210

Documents needed

Insurance Certificate
Local Contact Affidavit
Floor Plan

Official resource

Step 4

Pass Fire and Life Safety Inspection

Schedule and pass a physical inspection of the property by city staff.

14 daysFree

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Check Zoning and Moratorium Status

Obtain Business License

Submit STVR Permit Application

Pass Fire and Life Safety Inspection

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in La Quinta?

2What is the TOT tax rate in La Quinta?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in La Quinta?

4How much does an STR permit cost in La Quinta?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in La Quinta?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Check Zoning and Moratorium Status

Obtain Business License

Submit STVR Permit Application

Pass Fire and Life Safety Inspection

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in La Quinta?

2What is the TOT tax rate in La Quinta?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in La Quinta?

4How much does an STR permit cost in La Quinta?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in La Quinta?

Disclaimer