Overview: Are short-term rentals allowed in Tarzana, California?

• Explicit answer: Yes—short-term rentals (defined as rentals of fewer than 30 days) are allowed in Tarzana only as “Home-Sharing,” and only when the property is the host’s primary residence and the listing is properly registered with the City of Los Angeles (CPC-2016-1243-CA; the Home‑Sharing Ordinance).
• Home-Sharing permits the rental of part or all of one’s own home, for up to 120 nights per calendar year (unless an Extended Home‑Sharing permit is granted).
• Only one Home‑Sharing registration is permitted per host in the City of Los Angeles.
• Rentals of 30 days or more are not considered short‑term and do not require a Home‑Sharing permit.
• Properties located on “white” parcels on the City’s ZIMAS map are outside City of Los Angeles jurisdiction; those areas fall under county or other local rules and are not covered by this guide.

What Tarzana investors should expect

• Tarzana is within City of Los Angeles boundaries (colored parcels on ZIMAS). All rules summarized here apply to Tarzana properties.
• Registration is mandatory before advertising or accepting bookings for stays of 1–29 days.
• Primary residence requirement, annual night caps, and robust enforcement mechanisms apply. In addition to city rules, state‑level regulations (for example, California Civil Code §1946.2 and AB 3182 governing rent‑controlled housing and platform listings) materially affect eligibility and risk management.

How to start a short‑term rental business in Tarzana

• Confirm jurisdiction and eligibility:
  • Verify your address in ZIMAS. Tarzana properties typically fall within colored parcels (City of Los Angeles). White parcels are outside City jurisdiction.
  • Confirm the property is not subject to the Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) or other affordable‑housing covenants; such units are ineligible for Home‑Sharing.
  • Confirm you will use the property as your primary residence (reside there for at least 6 months per calendar year).
• Prepare proof of primary residence (two documents unless your photo ID already lists the property address).
  • Examples: CA driver’s license/ID; voter registration or status; vehicle registration; health or auto insurance bill; recent pay stub; current property tax bill with homeowner’s exemption; current lease/ rental agreement (with landlord/property manager contact).
• If renting:
  • Obtain a notarized landlord authorization affidavit (PDF provided by the City) consenting to Home‑Sharing.
• Register with the City of Los Angeles:
  • Complete Home‑Sharing registration through the City’s online portal (HostCompliance).
  • Once approved, add the permit number to your listing.
• Understand tax obligations:
  • City of Los Angeles Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): 14% on stays of 30 nights or less (Airbnb generally collects/remits for City TOT). You must file monthly TOT returns and may deduct platform‑collected remittances.
  • Los Angeles County TOT may apply in unincorporated county areas (Tarzana is generally City; still confirm if your parcel has county‑level TOT implications); Airbnb does not collect County TOT. Consult the County’s TOT guidance for obligations.
• Consider Extended Home‑Sharing (optional):
  • If you need more than 120 nights per year, you may apply for Extended Home‑Sharing (up to 240 nights) through an administrative clearance (no verified citations and proper notice) or a discretionary review (if citations exist). Fees apply (see Required documents, permits, and fees below).
• Ongoing compliance and renewal:
  • Annual renewal is required. Keep records (nights hosted, guest payments) for at least three years.
  • Follow all operational rules (guest Code of Conduct, quiet hours, occupancy limits, no amplified music after 10 p.m., etc.).
  • Use a platform with a “platform agreement” with the City to streamline TOT collection and reporting; non‑compliant platforms can be fined and may impact host operations.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and fees

• Home‑Sharing registration (City of Los Angeles)
  • Required:
    • Photo ID (government‑issued).
    • Two proofs of primary residence (one may suffice if your ID lists the property address).
    • For renters: notarized landlord authorization affidavit.
    • Affidavit under penalty of perjury committing to comply with all Home‑Sharing regulations.
  • Cost: $89 per year (host registration fee).
  • Processing time: Several weeks, depending on volume. Contact the City for current estimates.
• Extended Home‑Sharing (optional)
  • Administrative clearance:
    • Eligibility: Registered host for ≥6 months or hosted ≥60 days; no verified citations; adjacent/abutting owner/occupant notice completed.
    • Cost: $1,149 (plus noticing costs).
    • Outcome: Up to 240 nights per year.
  • Discretionary review:
    • Required if citations or other eligibility criteria prevent administrative clearance.
    • Cost: Approximately $5,660.
    • Process: Similar to a Conditional Use Permit (CUP); Director of Planning decision with appeal to Area Planning Commission (no public hearing required by default).
• Per‑night fee
  • The City has considered a per‑night fee (e.g., $5) to fund enforcement; the amount and implementation details are set by City policy and may change.
• Taxes
  • City TOT: 14% for stays of 30 nights or less. Airbnb typically collects and remits for the City; hosts must file monthly City TOT returns and may deduct platform‑collected amounts.
  • County TOT: Applies in unincorporated areas; Airbnb does not collect County TOT. Review County guidance and determine filing requirements for your property.
• Taxes (State of California)
  • If you operate a business, you must register with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) and collect/remit state taxes as applicable (state-level sales/use/BED tax considerations are fact‑specific and outside City scope; consult a tax professional).

Specific regulations (City, County, State) affecting STRs in Tarzana City of Los Angeles Home‑Sharing rules (applies to Tarzana)

• Eligibility:
  • Primary residence only; you must reside at the unit >6 months per year.
  • Only one Home‑Sharing listing permitted in the City per host.
  • Ineligible: Units under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO), rent‑stabilized or income‑restricted properties, units with unresolved building code/ enforcement violations.
• Annual caps:
  • Standard Home‑Sharing: up to 120 nights per calendar year.
  • Extended Home‑Sharing: up to 240 nights per year if approved via administrative clearance or discretionary review.
• Registration and renewal:
  • Registration valid for one year; annual renewal required with documentation of prior‑year activity and continued eligibility.
• Operational requirements:
  • Host must list no more than one unit for Home‑Sharing in Los Angeles.
  • Only spaces legally approved for residential habitation may be used (no vehicles, storage sheds, trailers, garages, tents).
  • Provide and maintain fire extinguishers; smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; emergency exit route and contact information.
  • Guest Code of Conduct must be distributed covering key ordinance rules (behavior, safety, neighbor considerations).
• Quiet hours and occupancy:
  • No amplified music after 10 p.m.
  • Gatherings of more than 8 people (not including children) are prohibited.
  • Maximum occupancy: generally no more than 2 persons per habitable room (not including children).
• Advertising and platform compliance:
  • All advertising must include the City registration/permit number.
  • Platforms must only complete bookings for registered listings; platforms must supply monthly data to the City (addresses, nights booked, amounts paid).
  • Platforms can be fined $1,000 per day for facilitating illegal listings or for refusing to provide required data.
• Enforcement:
  • Verified citations from City agencies (Police, Fire, Building and Safety, HCIDLA, ACE) can trigger suspensions or revocations.
  • Two verified citations result in immediate revocation and a one‑year prohibition on Home‑Sharing.
  • “Loud and unruly gathering” under LAMC §41.58.1 triggers a 30‑day suspension from Home‑Sharing; extended permits are also affected.
  • Administrative Nuisance Abatement (LAMC 12.27.1) allows modification, conditions, or revocation for ongoing or serious violations.
  • Enforcement trust fund provisions and a 24/7 hotline/real‑time outreach model support proactive enforcement.

Los Angeles County considerations

• County TOT applies to unincorporated areas (typically on stays of 30 days or less).
• Airbnb currently does not collect County TOT; hosts may be required to register/collect and remit County TOT directly.
• Tarzana is generally within City of Los Angeles, but investors should confirm whether any portion of a subject property lies in unincorporated County pockets that trigger separate County TOT obligations.

State of California regulations

• RSO and affordable housing constraints:
  • California Civil Code §1946.2 prohibits termination of a tenancy to rent the unit as a short‑term rental; violation may trigger civil penalties and repurchase remedies for RSO properties.
  • AB 3182 restricts platform listings of RSO units and imposes posting and notice requirements for platforms; non‑compliance carries penalties and affects host eligibility/risk.
• State tax obligations:
  • Business registration and tax collection/remittance may apply; consult CDTFA and a tax professional given property‑specific facts.

Operational best practices for investors

• Use a platform with a City‑approved “platform agreement” to streamline data sharing and TOT collection.
• Maintain meticulous records (guest nights, payments, communications) for at least three years.
• Proactively notify neighbors and establish a clear guest Code of Conduct and house rules.
• Monitor citations and resolve any violations swiftly to protect eligibility for extended stays.

Contact information (City of Los Angeles)

• General inquiries and Home‑Sharing policy: planning.home‑sharing@lacity.org; (213) 202‑5464
• Registration support (technical): support+los‑angeles-ca@hostcompliance.com
• FAQs and homeowner/landlord resources:
  • Home‑Sharing FAQs: planning.lacity.org/odocument/1dab409a-d9cb-47f2-9a29-0348389cf752/FAQ.pdf
  • Home‑Sharing information portal: planning.lacity.gov/plans-policies/initiatives-policies/home-sharing
• Registration portal (City of Los Angeles Home‑Sharing Permit): secure.hostcompliance.com/los-angeles-ca/permit-registration/welcome
• Landlord authorization affidavit: cdn.hostcompliance.com/customers/los-angeles-ca/LA_Landlord_Authorization.pdf
• TOT requirements (City): finance.lacity.org/transient-occupancy-tax-requirements
• County TOT (LA County TTC): ttc.lacounty.gov/tot/
• ZIMAS parcel/Jurisdiction map: zimas.lacity.org
• LADBS ADU certificate guidance (for ADU registration eligibility): ladbs.org/adu

Selected source links

• City of Los Angeles Home‑Sharing Ordinance (Staff Report to CPC): planning.lacity.gov/ordinances/docs/HomeSharing/StaffRept.pdf
• Airbnb Los Angeles STR overview and registration guidance: www.airbnb.ca/help/article/864
• City planning.home‑sharing email and phone: planning.home‑sharing@lacity.org; (213) 202‑5464
• Registration portal: secure.hostcompliance.com/los-angeles-ca/permit-registration/welcome
• Home‑Sharing FAQs: planning.lacity.org/odocument/1dab409a-d9cb-47f2-9a29-0348389cf752/FAQ.pdf
• Home‑Sharing policies and fees (overview): planning.lacity.gov/plans-policies/initiatives-policies/home-sharing
• TOT requirements (City): finance.lacity.org/transient-occupancy-tax-requirements
• County TOT guidance (LA County TTC): ttc.lacounty.gov/tot/
• Landlord authorization affidavit: cdn.hostcompliance.com/customers/los-angeles-ca/LA_Landlord_Authorization.pdf
• ZIMAS parcel map: zimas.lacity.org
• LADBS ADU certificate guidance: ladbs.org/adu

Notes for investors

• Properties under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance, affordable housing covenants, or with pending enforcement orders are ineligible; verify early in diligence.
• While hosting 30 days or more does not require City registration, other regulations (e.g., local zoning, neighborhood covenants, HOA rules, and state laws) may still apply.
• County TOT is a separate obligation in unincorporated areas; even if Airbnb collects City TOT, you may still be responsible for County TOT filings.
• Extended Home‑Sharing is a privilege tied to compliance; violations will reduce your options and may trigger revocations.
• Tax and legal compliance can be fact‑specific; consult a qualified attorney/tax professional for your exact situation.

This guide reflects the Los Angeles Home‑Sharing framework that governs short‑term rentals in Tarzana, alongside applicable state‑level constraints. Investors should validate parcel‑level jurisdiction and any county or HOA overlays prior to acquisition or listing.