Pasadena, California Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Pasadena?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Pasadena, CA, but with strict regulatory requirements. Pasadena permits both hosted and un-hosted short-term rentals, but only for properties that qualify as the host's primary residence. Vacation rentals—properties where the owner does not reside for at least nine months per year—are prohibited throughout the city. This distinction is critical for investors, as it fundamentally limits STR opportunities to owner-occupied properties only.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Pasadena?

Pasadena hosts earn a median $37,748/year with $187 ADR and 77% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $52,890+ per year.

See the full Pasadena market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Pasadena

Starting an STR business in Pasadena requires following a specific four-step process:

Step 1: Download and Complete Supplemental Application Forms

Download and complete all required supplemental forms prior to initiating your online application. These forms include necessary acknowledgments, property documentation, and neighborhood notification requirements.

Step 2: Complete All Required Documentation

This includes:

Obtaining a notary acknowledgment on the application affidavit
Taking photographs of your short-term rental property
Providing proof of primary residency
Distributing Neighborhood Notice to directly abutting property owners
Completing any required inspections or self-certifications

Step 3: Apply Online for Your Short-Term Rental Permit

Submit your application through the online portal. A $117 permit fee applies, plus a 3% records management fee and payment processing fees. The application review typically takes 1-3 weeks, and you'll receive your permit number via email upon approval.

Step 4: Include Permit Number in All Listings and Maintain Compliance

Display your city-issued Short-Term Rental permit number prominently in all listings and advertisements. Maintain ongoing compliance through quarterly reporting and tax remittance.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Documentation

Short-Term Rental Permit: Required from the Planning & Community Development Department
Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate: Required from the Finance Department
Notarized Affidavit: Confirming primary residence status and compliance with safety requirements
Primary Residency Documentation: Two of the following in the host's name: motor vehicle registration, driver's license, voter registration, tax documents, utility bills, or cellular phone bills

Property and Safety Requirements

Fire and Life Safety Compliance: Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, adequate means of egress
Fire Extinguisher: Required on premises
Property Inspection: Self-certification or third-party inspection may be allowed
Neighborhood Notice: Mailed or delivered to directly abutting property owners
Emergency Contact: 24-hour local responsible contact person or property management company

Permit Types

Type 1 Permit: Hosted short-term rentals (no stay limits)
Type 2 Permit: Un-hosted short-term rentals (90-day annual limit)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy and Use Limits

Maximum Occupancy: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests total
Un-hosted Stay Limit: Maximum 90 days per calendar year (no limit for hosted stays)
Commercial Events: Prohibited (weddings, banquets, corporate events, etc.)
Property Types: Single-family residences, duplexes, condominiums, townhomes, and multi-family rental units (excluding covenant-restricted affordable units and Section 8 housing)

Operational Requirements

Parking: On-site parking required; street parking prohibited for guests
Signage: No exterior signs advertising the STR use
Listing Display: City permit number must be visible in all advertisements
Property Areas: Only approved residential areas may be rented (no garages, vehicles, storage sheds, tents, or temporary structures)

Tax Obligations

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): 12.11% of gross receipts
Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) Assessment: 3.89% in year one (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024), then 4.89% for years two through ten (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2033)

Taxable Receipts Include:

Nightly and weekly rents
Standard cleaning fees
Pet fees
Internet charges
Late check-out fees
Extra person fees
Resort fees

Taxable Receipts Exclude:

Refundable deposits
Items subject to CA sales tax (such as ski passes or recreational activities)

Platform Collection Responsibilities

VRBO: Collects both TOT and TBID on behalf of hosts (beginning April 1, 2025)
AirBNB: Collects only TOT, not TBID
Other Platforms: Hosts responsible for all tax collection and remittance

Quarterly Reporting Requirements

All hosts must submit quarterly reports regardless of platform usage or rental activity:

Reporting Periods and Deadlines:

Q1 (Jan 1 - Mar 31): Due April 20th
Q2 (Apr 1 - Jun 30): Due July 20th
Q3 (Jul 1 - Sep 30): Due October 20th
Q4 (Oct 1 - Dec 31): Due January 20th

Enforcement and Penalties

Violation Consequences

Three Violations: Automatic permit suspension and potential revocation
Daily Fines: Applied for ongoing violations
Penalties: Begin accruing on the 21st day after deadline
Permit Revocation: One-year waiting period before reapplication

Common Violations

Failure to display permit numbers in listings
Operating beyond 90-day limit for un-hosted stays
Hosting commercial events
Noise, parking, or trash complaints
Failure to meet safety requirements
Non-compliance with HOA/CC&R restrictions

Compliance Standards

Hosts must comply with:

Pasadena Municipal Code Chapter 9.36 (Noise Restrictions)
Pasadena Municipal Code Chapter 8.64 (Litter Control)
All applicable HOA and CC&R regulations (city permits do not supersede private restrictions)

Contact Information

Primary STR Inquiries

Email: STRPermits@CityofPasadena.net
Planning & Community Development Department: (626) 744-6777

Tax and Remittance Questions

Treasury Division: (626) 744-4538
TBID Questions:
- Kristin McGrath (Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau): kmcgrath@visitpasadena.com
- Guille Nunez (City of Pasadena): gnunez@cityofpasadena.net

Code Enforcement and Complaints

Property-Specific Concerns: (626) 744-8633
Emergency Situations: 9-1-1

Physical Address

Pasadena City Hall 100 North Garfield Ave. Pasadena, CA 91101

Links to Source Pages

This guide provides comprehensive information for STR investors considering the Pasadena market. The regulatory environment is well-established with clear requirements, but the primary residence limitation significantly impacts investment strategies compared to markets that allow vacation rental properties.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Pasadena

Pasadena sits in Los Angeles County, California, with a population of roughly 138,000 residents. Known for its tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and cultural landmarks, the city blends small-town charm with metropolitan access. It serves as a recreational gateway to the San Gabriel Mountains and is located approximately ten miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, making it a natural crossroads between the urban core and the Angeles National Forest. The city is best known for the Tournament of Roses Parade, the Rose Bowl Stadium, the California Institute of Technology, and a thriving arts and dining scene anchored by Old Pasadena.

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in adjacent San Marino offers more than a century of art, rare manuscripts, and 120 acres of themed gardens. Visitors can spend a full day wandering the Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden, and galleries housing European masterworks and American paintings. The grounds are about a ten-minute drive from central Pasadena and are one of Southern California's most visited cultural institutions.

Old Pasadena is a twenty-block historic district where restored brick buildings from the late 1800s now house independent boutiques, restaurants, and cinemas. It is the city's dining and nightlife heart and lies within a few minutes' drive of virtually every Pasadena neighborhood, making it an easy evening destination for short-term rental guests. The district is also walkable from many nearby residences, and information about current tenants and events is maintained by the Old Pasadena Management District.

Eaton Canyon Natural Area lies within Pasadena's northern edge, where the San Gabriel Mountains meet the city. The park offers several miles of trails leading to a seasonal waterfall, along with an education center and a nature amphitheater that hosts family programs. From most central Pasadena addresses, the trailheads are roughly a ten-minute drive, giving visitors a chance to hike in chaparral-covered foothills within minutes of the city center.

The Norton Simon Museum houses an encyclopedic collection spanning European masterworks, Impressionist canvases, and South Asian sculpture, all displayed in a sleek mid-century building adjoining a sculpture garden. It is located just south of the 134 freeway and within a few minutes of the city's core, making it a frequent stop for both tourists and repeat visitors to the area.

Pasadena's appeal as a short-term rental base rests on a rare combination of walkable urban districts, world-class museums, easy trail access, and a short drive to downtown Los Angeles. Guests can attend a Rose Bowl event, hike in the foothills in the morning, dine in Old Pasadena in the evening, and still reach the Pacific coast or LAX in roughly an hour. The city's mix of cultural depth, natural setting, and proximity to the broader Southern California region makes it an unusually well-rounded destination for travelers who want variety without sacrificing convenience.