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, CA Short-Term Rental Laws

Gold Standard Verification

100%

Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

5 Official Sources

Summary

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

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

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

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

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$1,210

Processing Time

30-60 days

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•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.

Requirements(18)

•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 Process(8)

•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 & Costs(1)

•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.).

Taxes(2)

•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 & Restrictions(6)

•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 Requirements(1)

•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.

Penalties(3)

•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.

Exemptions(3)

•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).

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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

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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

La Quinta

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

Requirements(18)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(6)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(3)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Anaheim

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La Quinta

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

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?

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Anaheim

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