| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Prohibited in most/all zones |
| Permit / License Required | Yes (hosted home-share only) |
| Tax Rate | 14% TOT |
| Night / Day Cap | N/A (host must be present) |
| Minimum Stay | 30 days for un-hosted |
| Permit Fee | License fee |
| Penalties | Up to $500/day |
| Primary Residence Required | Yes |
| Occupancy Limit | Per unit |
Short-term rental operations are largely prohibited in Santa Monica, California as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes (hosted home-share only). The associated permit fees are License fee.
Short-term rental operators in Santa Monica should be aware of these tax obligations: 14% TOT.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Santa Monica include: Primary residence requirement: Yes. Rental day cap: N/A (host must be present). Occupancy limit: Per unit. Minimum stay: 30 days for un-hosted.
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Santa Monica: Hosted home-sharing only. Insurance: Required.
Hosts who fail to comply with Santa Monica's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Up to $500/day.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Santa Monica: Yes - strict enforcement.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗No, Airbnb and short-term rentals are currently prohibited in most or all zones in Santa Monica. Un-hosted STRs effectively banned; host must remain on-site.
Yes. Santa Monica requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes (hosted home-share only).
Short-term rental hosts in Santa Monica are subject to the following tax obligations: 14% TOT.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Santa Monica may face enforcement. Up to $500/day.
Effective ban on un-hosted STRs; home-sharing only.
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