Los Angeles vs. San Francisco: How California Cities Differ on Airbnb Laws
California is one of the most desirable states in the U.S. for short-term rental investments, but it’s also one of the most legally complex. Nowhere is this more apparent than in its two largest cities—Los Angeles and San Francisco—each of which has crafted a highly specific, and often restrictive, legal framework around short-term rentals like Airbnb.
If you’re considering entering the Airbnb market in either of these cities, it’s essential to understand just how different their laws are—and how those differences can directly impact your investment. At Real Estate Law Corporation
, we provide legal counsel to Airbnb hosts, buyers, and investors across all of California, helping them stay compliant with city-specific regulations and avoid costly legal mistakes.
Why Airbnb Laws in California Vary by City
Unlike some states with unified short-term rental policies, California delegates short-term rental regulation to local governments. That means every city has the authority to craft its own rules, enforcement strategies, and penalties.
For investors, this patchwork system makes legal due diligence not just helpful—but essential. What’s allowed in one neighborhood can be completely banned just a few miles away.
Los Angeles Airbnb Laws: Primary Residence and Permit Requirements
H3: Key Regulations for Los Angeles Airbnb Hosts
The City of Los Angeles allows short-term rentals under its Home-Sharing Ordinance, but with strict limitations:
Primary Residence Requirement: Only the host’s primary residence may be used for short-term rental.
Registration Required: Hosts must register with the city and renew annually.
Maximum Days: Un-hosted stays are limited to 120 days per year unless you apply for an extended home-sharing permit.
No Rent-Controlled Units: STRs are strictly prohibited in rent-stabilized or affordable housing units.
H3: Enforcement and Penalties
Los Angeles imposes fines up to $2,000 per day for illegal short-term rentals and uses a dedicated enforcement unit to monitor Airbnb listings. Repeat offenders may face criminal charges or permanent loss of rental eligibility.
San Francisco Airbnb Laws: Residency, Night Caps, and Platform Accountability
H3: Key Regulations for San Francisco Airbnb Hosts
San Francisco was one of the first U.S. cities to aggressively regulate Airbnb rentals. Today, the city’s rules are among the most detailed:
Permanent Residency Required: Hosts must live in the unit for at least 275 nights per year.
Registration and Business License: All STRs must be registered with the Office of Short-Term Rentals.
Night Cap: Un-hosted rentals are limited to 90 nights per calendar year.
Platform Responsibility: Airbnb and other platforms must verify listings and remove non-compliant hosts.
H3: Enforcement and Data Sharing
San Francisco requires Airbnb to share listing data with the city, allowing real-time enforcement. Violators face fines, deactivation, and in some cases, civil litigation from neighbors or housing organizations.
Legal Takeaway: Do Not Assume One City’s Rules Apply to Another
Although both cities are strict, their rules are fundamentally different—and trying to apply a “one-size-fits-all” approach could leave you exposed to fines or worse. For example:
Legal Factor Los Angeles San Francisco
Primary Residence Required 
Yes 
Yes
Max Un-Hosted Days 120 days (unless extended) 90 days
Enforcement Agency Department of City Planning Office of Short-Term Rentals
Platform Compliance Limited Mandatory
Rent-Controlled Properties 
Not allowed 
Not allowed
Why Local Legal Guidance Matters for Airbnb Investors
Short-term rental laws are not just about registration—they impact zoning, business licensing, tax liability, nuisance ordinances, and property use rights. And they change frequently based on political pressure, housing trends, and neighborhood sentiment.
Buying or operating an Airbnb in California without legal counsel is a high-risk move, especially in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Legal support can ensure:
Proper vetting of zoning and land-use laws
Review of HOA or CC&R restrictions
Assistance with license and permit applications
Defense against code violations or enforcement actions
Schedule a Consultation with Real Estate Law Corporation
At Real Estate Law Corporation
, we help Airbnb hosts, buyers, and investors navigate the evolving legal landscape of short-term rentals throughout all of California. Whether you’re operating in San Francisco, Los Angeles, or anywhere in between, we’ll ensure your investment is fully compliant—and legally protected.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get the legal clarity you need to succeed in California’s most highly regulated Airbnb markets.
The post Los Angeles vs. San Francisco: How California Cities Differ on Airbnb Laws appeared first on Real Estate Law Corporation™.