How to Navigate LA's Home-Sharing Permit Process

Exterior photo of a charming short term rental home with pool in Los Angeles. The owners of this property needed a home-sharing permit to list this home in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is one of the most lucrative but also one of the most regulated Short-Term Rental or Airbnb markets in the country. If you're a DIY host trying to stay compliant while maximizing your rental income, understanding LA’s Home-Sharing Permit and Ordinance is non-negotiable.

At iTrip Los Angeles, we specialize in helping hosts like you turn short-term rentals into long-term assets without the stress of navigating city bureaucracy alone. Here’s what you need to know to stay legal and profitable.

What Counts as a Legal Airbnb in LA?

In LA, a short-term rental is defined as any rental of 30 days or fewer. To legally operate one, your property must meet these key criteria:
  • - Primary Residence: You must live in the property for more than six months per year.
  • - One Listing Rule: You can only register one property at a time.
  • - Not Rent-Stabilized or on an ADU (unless grandfathered): Properties under rent control or newer accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are ineligible.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Home-Sharing Permit

✅  Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

  • - Confirm your property is within LA city limits (not unincorporated LA County). We use Zima to verify.
  • - Ensure it’s your primary residence.
Kitchen of a Los Angeles Airbnb rental home

🏛️  Step 2: Register with the City

  • - Apply through the City of LA's Planning Portal.

  • - Pay the $199 application fee.
  • - Receive your Home-Sharing Registration Number. This must be displayed on your listing.

📆  Step 3: Respect the Hosting Limits

  • - You're allowed to host up to 120 night per calendar year.
  • - Want to host more? Apply for an Extended Home-Sharing Permit, which requires additional documentation and fees.*

*iTrip Los Angeles keeps our eye on your total night bookings and know when you are eligible to apply for the Extended HSR and provide all the documents required for approval!

Living and dining room of a Los Angeles Airbnb rental home. The homeowners applied for a home-sharing permit in Los Angeles to list this home.

🚫  Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • - Listing without a permit
  • - Hosting beyond 120 nights without an extended permit
  • - Operating multiple listings under one name
  • - Renting out a non-primary residence

These violations can lead to fines, delisting, or even legal action. Don't risk it.

💡  Pro Tip: Partner with a Compliance Expert for Your Home-Sharing Permit

At iTrip Los Angeles, we don’t just manage properties, we protect your investment. Our team handles:

  • - Permit applications and renewals

  • - Ordinance updates and audits

  • - Guest screening and communication

  • - Revenue optimization and reporting
Whether you’re just starting out or feeling overwhelmed, we’ll help keep your rental property profitable, safer, and more profitably.

Ready to Start Your Hosting Journey?

Let us take the guesswork out of compliance. Book a free consultation today and discover how iTrip Los Angeles can turn your DIY hustle into a streamlined, income-generating business.
Exterior photo of a Spanish colonial home in LA available as a short term rental

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iTrip Los Angeles
916 W. Burbank Blvd C-251
Burbank, CA
91506-1229

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