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

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in Monrovia, though state and county regulations may still apply. You will need to obtain a general business license from the city to operate legally. Always check with the city's planning department for the most up-to-date requirements before listing your property.

What is the TOT tax rate in Monrovia?

**12% TOT** is the current transient occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals in Monrovia. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests for stays under 30 days and remitting it to the City of Monrovia on a quarterly basis. Check with the city finance department for specific filing deadlines and procedures.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Monrovia?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally allowed in Monrovia, but they are subject to certain regulations. Most importantly, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) cannot be used for short-term rental purposes and are restricted to long-term rentals of 30 days or more. Always verify zoning regulations with the city planning department.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Monrovia?

**Potentially**, renters can host on Airbnb in Monrovia, but it depends on the terms of their lease agreement. Subleasing or short-term renting without the landlord's permission may violate the lease. Check with your landlord to confirm you are allowed to operate a short-term rental before listing.

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Monrovia?

**Penalties** for operating an illegal STR in Monrovia can vary. Since there are no dedicated STR ordinances, violations may fall under general business license or zoning regulations. Failure to collect and remit the 12% TOT, or operating without a business license could result in fines. Always verify compliance.

Monrovia, CA Short-Term Rental Laws

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Verified: Jan 30, 2026

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Summary

Monrovia does not have a dedicated ordinance regulating short-term rentals, meaning they operate under general business license and tax rules. Hosts are required to remit a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on all stays under 30 days and must maintain a valid city business license. It is critical to note that Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are strictly prohibited from being used as short-term rentals.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 3 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Reporting required
•No STR-specific permit required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in Monrovia, you don't need a specific 'Short-Term Rental Permit' because the city hasn't passed a law for them yet. However, you are still considered a business, so you must get a Monrovia Business License and register to pay the 12% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) to the city every quarter. The biggest rule to remember is that you cannot use an ADU (like a guest house or 'granny flat') for short-term stays; those can only be rented for 30 days or longer. Always double-check if your home is in the official City of Monrovia or in an 'unincorporated' area of LA County, as the rules will be completely different.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) are explicitly prohibited from short-term rental use per MMC 17.15.080.
2.The TOT rate is 12%, increased from 10% following the passage of Measure TT in 2018.
3.No specific STR ordinance means there are no 'nights per year' caps, but general zoning must be followed.
4.The city uses 'permissive zoning,' so use caution as STRs are not explicitly listed as a permitted residential use.
5.Taxes must be remitted quarterly even if the platform (like Airbnb) does not automatically collect them.
6.Ensure you are within the City of Monrovia incorporated limits; parts of the area are unincorporated LA County.
7.A standard city business license is required for all commercial lodging activities.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Monrovia rent control/RSO note: Monrovia does not have a city-wide rent control ordinance, but state-level protections (AB 1482) may apply.
•Monrovia: ADU BAN: You cannot legally rent out an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or 'granny flat' for less than 30 days in Monrovia (§ 17.44.005).
•Monrovia: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(11)

•Monrovia does not require STR registration.
•Monrovia STR warning: TAX RATE: The Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rate is 12%, increased from 10% in 2018 via Measure TT.
•Monrovia STR warning: QUARTERLY FILING: Taxes must be filed quarterly even if you had zero bookings during that period.

Application Process(5)

•How to set up an STR in Monrovia: To host an Airbnb in Monrovia, you must first get a standard business license and a 'Home Occupation' permit from the city. While there aren't specific 'Airbnb rules' like night limits yet, you cannot rent out an ADU (backyard cottage or granny flat) for less than 30 days. You are also required to collect a 12% hotel tax from your guests and send it to the city every three months using their paper or PDF form.

Taxes(2)

•Monrovia: TAX RATE: The Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rate is 12%, increased from 10% in 2018 via Measure TT.
•Monrovia charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 12%. This applies to stays under 31 days. Note: Airbnb and VRBO may collect TOT for Monrovia, but hosts are legally responsible for ensuring remittance via the city's quarterly form.

Limits & Restrictions(2)

•Monrovia limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Monrovia enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM (Standard Noise Ordinance).

Safety Requirements(1)

•Monrovia requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors.

Penalties(2)

•Monrovia: BUSINESS LICENSE: All hosts are required to have a city business license; failing to have one for a 'home business' can lead to fines.
•Monrovia: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.

Exemptions(2)

•Monrovia: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Monrovia exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, State or federal employees on official business.

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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

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

Monrovia

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(11)

Application Process(5)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(2)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Monrovia

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Monrovia?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Monrovia?

4Can renters host on Airbnb in Monrovia?

5What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Monrovia?

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