Overview

Short-term rentals are NOT allowed in the City of Calabasas, California. The Calabasas Municipal Code section 17.12.175 explicitly bans any short-term or vacation rentals of single-family homes or other properties with stays less than 30 days. This is a complete prohibition on short-term rentals within city boundaries.

However, short-term rentals are allowed in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, which may include certain areas near Calabasas. If your property is located in unincorporated LA County rather than within city limits, short-term rentals may be permitted subject to county regulations and requirements.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Step 1: Determine Your Property Location

First and foremost, verify whether your property is within the City of Calabasas city limits or in unincorporated Los Angeles County. This distinction is critical because:

• Within Calabasas city limits: Short-term rentals are prohibited for stays under 30 days
• Unincorporated LA County: Short-term rentals are allowed with proper registration

Step 2: If Operating in Unincorporated LA County - Registration Process

The registration process for short-term rentals in unincorporated Los Angeles County involves three main steps:

Step 1: Contact the Short-Term Rental Unit

• Phone: (213) 974-2011
• Email: STRental@ttc.lacounty.gov
• Obtain a unique six-digit Account Number and Activation Code for initial account setup

Step 2: Create an Account

• Visit lacountystr.munirevs.com to create your account
• Use the Account Number and Activation Code received in Step 1

Step 3: Submit Application and Payment

• Log into your account and submit your application for a Short-Term Rental Registration Certificate
• Pay the required registration fee

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

For Unincorporated Los Angeles County Operations:

Primary Requirements:

1. Short-Term Rental Registration Certificate from LA County Treasurer and Tax Collector
2. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration - Must collect and remit TOT within 30 days after rental start date
3. Primary Residence Verification - Property must be your primary residence
4. Account Setup with unique six-digit Account Number and Activation Code

Documentation Needed:

• Property ownership or residency documentation
• Completed registration application
• Payment method for registration fee and ongoing TOT payments

Important Notes:

• Registration requirements do not apply to properties in coastal zones, where short-term rentals are currently unregulated
• All short-term rental hosts must collect and pay Transient Occupancy Tax within 30 days after the rental start date

For City of Calabasas:

No permits or licenses are available for short-term rentals as they are prohibited for stays under 30 days within city limits.

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

City of Calabasas - Complete Ban

Regulation: Calabasas Municipal Code section 17.12.175 Status: Banned Details: Any short-term or vacation rentals of single-family homes or other properties with stays less than 30 days are prohibited

Los Angeles County (Unincorporated Areas) - Permitted with Requirements

Regulation: Los Angeles County Short-Term Rental Ordinance Status: Allowed with registration Key Requirements:

• Property must be host's primary residence
• Stays limited to 30 consecutive days or less
• Short-term rental registration certificate required
• Transient Occupancy Tax collection and payment required
• Maximum fines of $1,000 per day for operating without valid registration

State of California - General Framework

• Short-term rentals are defined as rentals for 30 consecutive days or less
• Local jurisdictions have authority to set additional regulations
• Transient Occupancy Tax requirements apply at county level
• No state-level ban on short-term rentals, but cities/counties may prohibit or restrict

Contact Information for Local Authority

Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector - Short-Term Rentals Unit

Primary Contact Information:

• Phone: (213) 974-2011
• Email: STRental@ttc.lacounty.gov
• Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT
• Website: https://ttc.lacounty.gov/str/

Online Services:

• Registration and Account Management: lacountystr.munirevs.com
• Transient Occupancy Tax Payment: lacountystr.munirevs.com

Complaint Reporting:

• Online Complaint Website: Short-Term Rentals Online Complaint Website
• 24/7 Complaint Hotline: (213) 371-1070

City of Calabasas

Since short-term rentals are prohibited within city limits, no specific STR authority exists. For general city inquiries:

• Website: City of Calabasas Municipal Code

Links to Source Pages

Primary Sources:

1. Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector - Short-Term Rentals: https://ttc.lacounty.gov/str/
2. LA County Short-Term Rental Registration Portal: lacountystr.munirevs.com
3. Short-Term Rental Ordinance (PDF): https://ttc.lacounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Short-Term-Rental-Ordinance.pdf
4. STR Terms and FAQs (PDF): https://ttc.lacounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/STR-Terms-and-FAQs-1.pdf
5. Transient Occupancy Tax Information: https://ttc.lacounty.gov/tot/
6. Los Angeles County Unincorporated Areas Map: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=9d20879a1db945b5a6cd7deeacff25be
7. City of Calabasas Municipal Code: https://library.municode.com/ca/city_of_calabasas/ordinances/code_of_ordinances

Compliance and Enforcement:

8. Online Complaint System: https://str.govos.com/complaint/?cityid=1706
9. Business License Information: https://ttc.lacounty.gov/business-license-general-information/

Investment Considerations and Risk Assessment

High-Risk Factors:

• Strict Local Prohibition: Calabasas has an absolute ban on short-term rentals under 30 days
• Enforcement Risk: Operating illegally could result in immediate cease and desist orders
• Financial Penalties: Potential daily fines up to $1,000 for non-compliance

Mitigation Strategies:

• Due Diligence: Always verify property location before investment
• Alternative Markets: Consider nearby unincorporated areas where STRs are permitted
• Long-Term Rental Conversion: If holding Calabasas property, consider 30+ day rentals or traditional long-term leasing

Market Reality:

The complete prohibition in Calabasas creates a unique regulatory environment where traditional short-term rental investment strategies do not apply within city limits. Investors must look to nearby unincorporated county areas or consider alternative property uses within Calabasas itself.