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

STRs Allowed

CaliforniaLast updated: February 10, 2026

Gold Standard Verification

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Verified: Jan 30, 2026

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Summary

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

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

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

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

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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

Regulation Details

Eligibility(11)

•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.

Requirements(16)

•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 Process(7)

•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 & Costs(1)

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

Taxes(1)

•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 & Restrictions(5)

•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 Requirements(1)

•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.

Penalties(6)

•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.

Exemptions(2)

•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).

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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

West Hollywood

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(11)

Requirements(16)

Application Process(7)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(1)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(6)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Other California Markets

Los Angeles

Anaheim

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West Hollywood

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

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?

Related Content

Other California Markets

Los Angeles

Anaheim

Mammoth Lakes

Big Bear Lake