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

**Yes**, Pasadena requires a Short-Term Rental Permit to operate legally. You need to apply for this permit through the city and comply with all regulations, including primary residency and TOT requirements. Operating without a valid permit can result in fines and penalties. You must have a permit.

What is the TOT tax rate in Pasadena, CA?

**0.1211%** is the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rate for short-term rentals in Pasadena. You need to collect this tax from your guests and remit it to the city on a regular basis. This tax applies to all rentals shorter than 30 days, so make sure you comply.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Pasadena?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Pasadena, but with restrictions. Pasadena exclusively allows 'Home-Sharing' in the host's primary residence. Unhosted rentals are capped at 90 days per year, while hosted rentals (where the host is on-site) have no annual night limit. Make sure you follow rules.

Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Pasadena?

**Yes**, you need to live in your property to rent it on Airbnb in Pasadena. The city only allows 'Home-Sharing,' meaning the host must reside on-site during the rental period. This requirement ensures that short-term rentals do not negatively impact residential neighborhoods. Primary residency is required.

How many nights per year can I rent my property in Pasadena?

**90 nights per year** is the limit for unhosted short-term rentals in Pasadena. If you are hosting and present on-site, there is no annual night limit. Pasadena aims to strike a balance between allowing homeowners to earn income and preserving the residential character of neighborhoods.

Pasadena, CA Short-Term Rental Laws...

Guides

Videos

All Videos Best Videos Trending

News Rules Topics Ask AI

Pasadena, CA Short-Term Rental Laws... | Learn STR by GoStudioM

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility14 rules

Pasadena, CA: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
Pasadena, CA: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Pasadena, CA: Properties with affordable housing restrictions or subsidies cannot be used for short-term rentals.

Requirements20 rules

Pasadena, CA: You must live at the property for at least 9 months per year to qualify as primary residence.
Pasadena, CA: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.
Pasadena: You must live at the property for at least 9 months per year to qualify as primary residence.

Application process11 rules

Pasadena, CA: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: Proof of Primary Residency, Homeowner's Exemption documentation, Liability Insurance certificate, Signed Host Agreement.
Pasadena STR permit - Step 4: Await Approval and Post Permit. Once approved, you must display your permit number in the first line of any listing on Airbnb/VRBO. Time: 14-28 days.

Taxes2 rules

Pasadena: The TOT rate is an unusual 12.11%—ensure your platform is collecting the full amount.
Pasadena charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 0.1211%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit the base TOT, but hosts must still file quarterly reports to verify the TBID/Tourism fees if applicable.

Limits & restrictions9 rules

Pasadena enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM.
Pasadena, CA occupancy calculation: 2 guests plus the host's family, or 2 guests per bedroom + 2 additional (total max 10). Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety requirements1 rule

Pasadena requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, First aid kit, Emergency exit map.

Penalties8 rules

Pasadena, CA: Operating an STR in a rent-controlled unit can result in permit denial and fines. Multi-family buildings are generally prohibited from STR use unless specifically designated.
Pasadena, CA: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions5 rules

Pasadena, CA: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Pasadena, CA: If you are present during the guest's stay (hosted rental), night caps may not apply to you.
Pasadena exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.

Pasadena

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Create a free account

Regulation details

Create a free account

Frequently asked questions

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

Frequently asked questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Pasadena, CA?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Pasadena?

4Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Pasadena?

5How many nights per year can I rent my property in Pasadena?

Disclaimer