Getting Around the 30-Day Minimum Stay in Los Angeles

[Scott-And-Lisa3]

We build a free-standing ADU on our property in West Los Angeles, and the city will not permit us to rent it for less than 30 days.  What must we do to rent it for less than 30 days?  

[Helen3]

Check the STR regulations for your location @Scott-And-Lisa3 - this will tell you if there is a license you can apply for to operate for less than 30 days 

[Scott-And-Lisa3]

Thank you, Helen.  I've spoken to the city (almost impossible to get to speak to a live person).  They said that I cannot get a license to rent less than 30 days due to the RSA (Rent Stabilization Act).  I see all kinds of Airbnb's around my area so how are they getting licenses?  

[Helen3]

They're probably listing illegally or they meet the criteria for an exemption @Scott-And-Lisa3 

[Scott-And-Lisa3]

I think people figure out a way around the restriction.  Thank you for your reply

[Lili2179]

Do the docments you sent in for the homesharing application match the address of the ADU?

Your DL and voter registration must have the airbnb unit as your primary address since only primary residences can be rented out.

[Ana2038]

@Scott-And-Lisa3 , the city of Los Angeles has a home sharing( short term rental) program in place. I suggest you read the home sharing guidelines and see if your property qualifies (as you now have an ADU on your primary residence). The city also provides a Rent Stabilization map that you can use to see if your property falls under that ordinance (I find it very hard to see how a SFR that you own and reside in would but you never know). The city also offer online registration and list what is required etc…

Just Google City of Los Angeles Home Sharing Program and it should bring up the guidelines, registration etc…under the planning departments website.

Best—

[Scott-And-Lisa3]

Thank you.  I have tried the city, and they said NO.  I have no recourse.  I was hoping to find the right person who can say YES.  The reason is the RSA that my home supposedly falls under.  I would love to ask them WHY so many other Airbnbs can rent in my area.  

[Helen3]

It's not really relevant if others are operating illegally or have an exemption @Scott-And-Lisa3if the city have told you that you can't operate and you need a license to list on Airbnb for less than 30 days  then you have your answer . Do all these STRs that you say are listing for less than 30 days on Airbnb have licenses? 

[Ana2038]

@Scott-And-Lisa3 :

“The Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) in Los Angeles, Ca does not apply to owner occupied properties, with the exception of one unit per owner. The owner-occupied exemption applies to units that are occupied but not rented, or are used for non-living purposes like storage.”

Based on the above, I would go back to the City and ask them how my property can fall under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance? You occupy the primary and have an ADU that you’d like to do home sharing….reach out the your council member as well. Send an email to the head of planning department.

Best—

[Lili2179]

i've been on airbnb all year and applied for extended permit.  After 4 months I finally received a response saying my property does not qualify for homesharing because it falls under RSO.  I spoke with someone directly and they said when they verified my address it didn't show my ADU as my primary.  I renewed my DL with my main home address and I think that was an issue.

Changing my address back to my ADU along with updated voter registration and hopefully this sorts it all out.

[Marie8425]

@Scott-And-Lisa3 

Very beautiful house,  Amazing.

While your trying to figure out your day limit.  Maybe focus your ad on what you can do currently 30 day rentals.  Most people renting 30 days have a reason other than sightseeing.medical care, employment related, visiting an adult child and maybe you love your grandchildren but not in your bathroom haha.  Find the niche and take that market for now,