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Duarte, CA

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STR Regulations for Duarte, California

Overview

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Duarte, CA. The city has established specific regulations for short-term rentals, including a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) requirement of 10% on all rental charges. The Finance Division of the City of Duarte is responsible for administering and collecting these taxes, and operators must obtain a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate before operating.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Duarte?

Duarte hosts earn a median $22,025/year with $140 ADR and 70% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $31,296+ per year.

See the full Duarte market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Duarte, CA

Starting a short-term rental business in Duarte requires several key steps:

  1. Obtain a Business License: Contact the Administrative Services Department for business license requirements and registration
  2. Secure a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate: Required under Duarte Municipal Code Chapter 3.05
  3. Register for TOT: Submit quarterly tax filings and collections to the Finance Division
  4. Post Required Certificates: Display the Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate as required by law
  5. Comply with Municipal Codes: Ensure full compliance with all applicable Duarte regulations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Requirements:

  • Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate (Municipal Code Chapter 3.05)
  • Business License (Administrative Services Department)
  • Transient Occupancy Tax Registration Application
  • Quarterly TOT Filing Forms
  • Monthly TOT Computation Forms (if applicable)

Documentation Process:

  1. Application Forms: Complete Transient Occupancy Tax registration applications
  2. Certificate Posting: Display registration certificate prominently on the premises
  3. Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of all rental transactions
  4. Tax Remittance: Submit quarterly TOT payments with appropriate forms

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Duarte Regulations:

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT):

  • Rate: 10% of rent charged
  • Collection Required: Operators must collect TOT from all guests
  • Reporting: Quarterly filing required
  • Registration: Mandatory Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate
  • Certificate Posting: Must be displayed prominently at the property

Tax Payment Schedule:

  • January 01 - March 31: Due April 30
  • April 01 - June 30: Due July 30
  • July 01 - September 30: Due October 31
  • October 01 - December 31: Due January 31

Penalties and Interest:

  • First Penalty: 10% of unpaid tax if not remitted by deadline
  • Additional Penalty: Additional 10% if not paid within 30 days of delinquency
  • Interest: 0.5% per month (or fraction thereof) on unpaid tax amount

Payment Methods:

  • In-person payments accepted
  • Mail payments accepted (must be postmarked by due date)
  • Checks payable to "City of Duarte"

Los Angeles County Level (Applicable to Surrounding Areas):

For properties in unincorporated LA County (not specifically Duarte):

  • Short-Term Rental Registration Certificate required
  • TOT collection and remittance required
  • Contact: (213) 974-2011 or STRental@ttc.lacounty.gov
  • Online registration portal available

Contact Information

City of Duarte Primary Contacts:

Administrative Services - Finance Division

  • Phone: (626) 357-7931
  • Fax: (626) 358-0018
  • Address: 1600 Huntington Drive, Duarte, CA 91010
  • Business Hours: Monday-Thursday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed Fridays)

Transient Occupancy Tax Section

  • Responsible for TOT administration and collection
  • Processes registration certificates
  • Handles quarterly tax filings

Additional Duarte Contacts:

  • City Directory: Available for staff directory assistance
  • Report an Issue: Online portal for compliance concerns

Los Angeles County Contacts (For Regional Context):

Short-Term Rentals Unit

Links to Source Pages

Primary Duarte Sources:

  1. City of Duarte - Transient Occupancy Tax
  2. Duarte Municipal Code Chapter 3.05
  3. Transient Occupancy Tax Form
  4. Transient Occupancy Tax Letter

Supporting Resources:

  1. Duarte Municipal Code
  2. Duarte Business License Section

County Level References:

  1. Los Angeles County - Short-Term Rentals
  2. Short-Term Rentals Registration Portal

Important Compliance Notes

  • No JavaScript Required: All forms and applications are available through standard web browsers
  • Certificate Display: Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate must be visibly posted
  • Quarterly Compliance: Adhere strictly to quarterly filing deadlines
  • Penalty Avoidance: Submit payments by due date to avoid penalties and interest
  • Record Retention: Maintain comprehensive records of all rental activities and tax payments

This guide provides investors with a comprehensive framework for operating legally compliant short-term rentals in Duarte, CA, while maintaining awareness of applicable county and state regulations.

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Duarte

Market Saturation Score

036912
Oversaturated
11/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
11–12 declining months: sustained YoY revenue decline - market is oversaturated.
View Full Duarte Market Analysis

Photos of Duarte

Overview of Duarte

Duarte is a small foothill city in Los Angeles County, California, tucked into the southern edge of the San Gabriel Mountains in the San Gabriel Valley. With a population of approximately 22,000 residents, it has a quiet, residential feel that contrasts with the urban density of nearby Los Angeles. The city is best known as the home of the City of Hope National Medical Center, one of the country's leading cancer research and treatment institutions, and as a stepping-off point for outdoor adventures in the surrounding mountains. Duarte sits roughly 20 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, easily reached via the Foothill Freeway (I-210).

History buffs will want to visit the Andres Pico Adobe, one of the oldest surviving adobe structures in the San Gabriel Valley and a reminder of the area's rancho-era past. Built in the 1830s and designated as California Historical Landmark No. 362, the adobe sits within a small park just minutes from the center of town and offers a glimpse into the lives of California's early settlers. The site, also known as Rancho Duarte, is a frequent stop for those interested in the region's Spanish and Mexican heritage.

For outdoor recreation, the San Gabriel Mountains rise directly north of the city, putting visitors within a short drive of the Angeles National Forest, a vast wilderness area that covers much of the range. Hikers can access trailheads that lead to waterfalls, forested canyons, and panoramic ridge-top views, while the winding mountain roads appeal to cyclists and casual sightseers. The proximity of the forest is one of Duarte's most distinctive features, allowing visitors to combine a Los Angeles-area stay with easy day trips into alpine terrain.

Just a few miles west of Duarte, the city of Pasadena offers a much larger menu of cultural and entertainment options. Visitors can stroll the shops and restaurants of Old Pasadena, tour the collections at the Norton Simon Museum, or catch a flea market or game-day event at the [Rose Bowl Stadium](en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_Bowl_(stadium). The drive between Duarte and Pasadena is usually under fifteen minutes, making the two cities a natural pairing for a longer stay.

Duarte makes a compelling base for short-term rentals because it offers something most Los Angeles–area cities cannot: immediate access to both the San Gabriel Mountains and the cultural attractions of Pasadena, all without the traffic, noise, and cost of staying closer to the urban core. Visitors who book a stay here can hike a mountain trail in the morning, browse an art museum in the afternoon, and return to a quieter neighborhood by evening, all within the space of a single day. For travelers who want a balance of nature, history, and proximity to greater Los Angeles, Duarte is an underrated option.

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