Are short-term rentals allowed in West Hollywood?

**No**, short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in West Hollywood. You need to ensure all bookings are for a minimum of 31 consecutive days per Municipal Code Section 5.66.020. Stays of 30 days or less are illegal in all residential areas. Violators face fines starting at $500 per day.

What is the TOT tax rate in West Hollywood?

**12.5% TOT** is the current transient occupancy tax rate for rentals in West Hollywood. You need to collect this tax from guests and remit it to the city. Check with the city's finance department for specific filing procedures and deadlines. Note that platforms like Airbnb may collect this tax.

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in West Hollywood?

**You face fines** for operating an illegal short-term rental in West Hollywood. You need to be aware that fines start at $500 per day and can escalate. Additionally, you may face potential criminal prosecution for violating the city's regulations per Municipal Code Section 5.66.020.

Can renters host on Airbnb in West Hollywood?

**No**, renters cannot legally host on Airbnb in West Hollywood. You need to be aware that the city's ban on short-term rentals applies to all residential properties, including those rented by tenants. All bookings must be for a minimum of 31 consecutive days, regardless of tenancy status. Violators face fines.

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

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in West Hollywood, though standard state-level taxes still apply. You need to be aware that short-term rentals (stays of 30 days or less) are strictly prohibited. Only licensed hotels and motels are permitted to offer short-term lodging.

West Hollywood

Prohibited

CaliforniaUpdated Feb 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 4 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 4

Summary

Plain-english overview

Short-term rentals (stays of 30 days or less) are strictly PROHIBITED in the City of West Hollywood per Municipal Code Section 5.66.020. This ban applies to all residential properties, including apartments, condos, and single-family homes, regardless of whether the host is present.

Restriction level

Severity 100

Classification

Prohibited

100

Severity

Why this classification

Residential STRs prohibited
Banned in all/most residential zones
All residential property types prohibited
Severe night cap: 0 nights/year
Long minimum stay: 31 nights
Tenants cannot host
No STR-specific permit required
No primary residence requirement
No STR-specific fee

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in West Hollywood, you must ensure all bookings are for a minimum of 31 consecutive days. Stays of 30 days or less are illegal in all residential areas of the city. If you operate an illegal short-term rental, you face fines starting at $500 per day and potential criminal prosecution. Only licensed hotels and motels are permitted to offer short-term lodging.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredNo

Night limitYes

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Short-term rentals (stays under 31 days) are ILLEGAL in West Hollywood.
2The city uses active software to track and fine listings on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.
3Fines are significant, starting at $500 and doubling for subsequent violations.
4Renting out a room even while you are present (hosted stay) is still prohibited.
5Most residential units are under Rent Stabilization (RSO) which makes STRs a lease violation subject to eviction.
6Advertising a short-term rental is itself a violation, even if no booking occurs.
7A 2003 ballot measure (Measure B) to allow STRs failed; do not expect the ban to be lifted soon.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility11 rules

West Hollywood does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
West Hollywood: Tenants/renters are strictly prohibited from hosting; only owners can apply.
West Hollywood: The permit holder must personally manage the listing - third-party property managers may not be allowed.

Requirements16 rules

West Hollywood STR warning: Fines are extremely high (400%-800% of nightly rate) and enforced aggressively.
West Hollywood requires STR registration. The permit is called "Home Sharing Business License". Apply through Neighborhood and Business Safety Division. Processing time: Varies; online application available. Renewal is required.

Application process7 rules

West Hollywood STR permit - Step 2: Apply for Business License. Submit the Home Sharing Business License application through the city portal. Required documents: Government ID, Utility bill, Grant deed. Time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 300.

Fees & costs1 rule

West Hollywood charges a registration fee of $300 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $75 (Administrative fee per violation citation).

Taxes1 rule

West Hollywood charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 12.5%. This applies to stays under 31 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO generally collect/remit 12.5% TOT for West Hollywood.

Limits & restrictions5 rules

West Hollywood limits STRs to a maximum of 2 guests. Formula: 2 guests per bedroom, max 2 total for home-sharing
West Hollywood: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
West Hollywood occupancy calculation: 2 guests per bedroom, max 2 total for home-sharing. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety requirements1 rule

West Hollywood requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Exit paths must be clear, Working phone line available.

Penalties6 rules

West Hollywood: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.
West Hollywood: Operating an STR in a rent-controlled unit can result in permit denial and fines. Short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in all rent-stabilized units.

Exemptions2 rules

West Hollywood exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Stays related to wildfire displacement (temporary urgency ordinance 2025).
West Hollywood: 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 West Hollywood

0/1

steps completed

Step 1

Prohibition Verification

Understand that the City of West Hollywood prohibits all residential rentals for a period of 30 consecutive calendar days or less.

N/A

Official resource

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

West Hollywood

Prohibited

CaliforniaUpdated Feb 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 4 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 4

Summary

Plain-english overview

Restriction level

Severity 100

Classification

Prohibited

100

Severity

Why this classification

Residential STRs prohibited
Banned in all/most residential zones
All residential property types prohibited
Severe night cap: 0 nights/year
Long minimum stay: 31 nights
Tenants cannot host
No STR-specific permit required
No primary residence requirement
No STR-specific fee

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredNo

Night limitYes

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Short-term rentals (stays under 31 days) are ILLEGAL in West Hollywood.
2The city uses active software to track and fine listings on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.
3Fines are significant, starting at $500 and doubling for subsequent violations.
4Renting out a room even while you are present (hosted stay) is still prohibited.
5Most residential units are under Rent Stabilization (RSO) which makes STRs a lease violation subject to eviction.
6Advertising a short-term rental is itself a violation, even if no booking occurs.
7A 2003 ballot measure (Measure B) to allow STRs failed; do not expect the ban to be lifted soon.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility11 rules

West Hollywood does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
West Hollywood: Tenants/renters are strictly prohibited from hosting; only owners can apply.
West Hollywood: The permit holder must personally manage the listing - third-party property managers may not be allowed.

Requirements16 rules

West Hollywood STR warning: Fines are extremely high (400%-800% of nightly rate) and enforced aggressively.
West Hollywood requires STR registration. The permit is called "Home Sharing Business License". Apply through Neighborhood and Business Safety Division. Processing time: Varies; online application available. Renewal is required.

Application process7 rules

West Hollywood STR permit - Step 2: Apply for Business License. Submit the Home Sharing Business License application through the city portal. Required documents: Government ID, Utility bill, Grant deed. Time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 300.

Fees & costs1 rule

West Hollywood charges a registration fee of $300 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $75 (Administrative fee per violation citation).

Taxes1 rule

West Hollywood charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 12.5%. This applies to stays under 31 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO generally collect/remit 12.5% TOT for West Hollywood.

Limits & restrictions5 rules

West Hollywood limits STRs to a maximum of 2 guests. Formula: 2 guests per bedroom, max 2 total for home-sharing
West Hollywood: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
West Hollywood occupancy calculation: 2 guests per bedroom, max 2 total for home-sharing. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety requirements1 rule

West Hollywood requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Exit paths must be clear, Working phone line available.

Penalties6 rules

West Hollywood: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.
West Hollywood: Operating an STR in a rent-controlled unit can result in permit denial and fines. Short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in all rent-stabilized units.

Exemptions2 rules

West Hollywood exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Stays related to wildfire displacement (temporary urgency ordinance 2025).
West Hollywood: 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 West Hollywood

0/1

steps completed

Step 1

Prohibition Verification

Understand that the City of West Hollywood prohibits all residential rentals for a period of 30 consecutive calendar days or less.

N/A

Official resource

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

Prohibition Verification

Frequently asked questions

1Are short-term rentals allowed in West Hollywood?

2What is the TOT tax rate in West Hollywood?

3What happens if I operate an illegal STR in West Hollywood?

4Can renters host on Airbnb in West Hollywood?

5Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in West Hollywood?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Prohibition Verification

Frequently asked questions

1Are short-term rentals allowed in West Hollywood?

2What is the TOT tax rate in West Hollywood?

3What happens if I operate an illegal STR in West Hollywood?

4Can renters host on Airbnb in West Hollywood?

5Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in West Hollywood?

Disclaimer