Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Cerritos?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Cerritos, California, but with important caveats. As an incorporated city within Los Angeles County, Cerritos properties located in the city limits are subject to Los Angeles County's Short-Term Rental regulations. Properties in unincorporated areas of LA County (not within any city) fall directly under county jurisdiction. This guide provides comprehensive information for STR investors targeting the Cerritos market.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Cerritos

1. Determine Jurisdiction and Eligibility

• Verify property location: Confirm whether your Cerritos property is within city limits or in unincorporated LA County
• Primary residence requirement: LA County STR regulations require that the property be your primary residence
• Property type eligibility: Single-family homes, condos, and townhomes are typically eligible

2. Complete Registration Process (LA County Requirements)

For properties under LA County jurisdiction:

1. Initial Contact: Call (213) 974-2011 or email STRental@ttc.lacounty.gov to obtain a unique six-digit Account Number and Activation Code
2. Create Online Account: Visit lacountystr.munirevs.com to create your account using the provided credentials
3. Submit Application: Complete the Short-Term Rental Registration Certificate application online
4. Pay Registration Fee: Submit required registration fees through the online portal

3. Ongoing Compliance Requirements

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): Collect and remit TOT within 30 days of rental start date
• Monthly Reporting: Submit monthly TOT payments through the online portal
• Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of all rentals, rates, and guest information

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Registration Requirements

• Short-Term Rental Registration Certificate (LA County)
• Transient Occupancy Tax Registration (LA County)
• Business License (if applicable through LA County Business License system)

Tax Obligations

• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): Currently 12% of rental fees for stays of 30 consecutive days or less
• Registration Application: Complete TOT registration forms
• Monthly Computation Forms: Submit monthly TOT returns

Documentation Standards

• Property Ownership Verification: Proof of primary residence status
• Insurance Requirements: Maintain appropriate liability and property insurance
• Safety Compliance: Ensure property meets all safety standards

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Los Angeles County STR Ordinance Requirements

Eligible Property Types

• Primary Residence Only: Property must be the host's primary residence
• Accommodation Types: Entire home, private room, or shared room rentals
• Stay Duration: Maximum 30 consecutive days per guest stay

Hosting Restrictions

• Residency Requirement: Host must reside in the property as their primary residence
• Maximum Occupancy: Based on local occupancy standards and zoning
• Frequency Limits: No specific limit on number of rental nights, but must maintain primary residence status

Guest and Property Management

• Guest Verification: Host responsible for guest screening and behavior
• 24/7 Contact: Host must provide 24/7 contact information for guest assistance
• Nuisance Prevention: Proactive management to prevent disturbances to neighbors

Coastal Zone Exemption

• Coastal Properties: STR registration requirements do not apply to properties in coastal zones, where short-term rentals remain unregulated
• Cerritos Location: Cerritos is inland, so coastal zone exemptions typically do not apply

Enforcement and Penalties

• Non-Compliance Fees: Operating without valid registration can result in daily fines up to $1,000
• Platform Enforcement: Online platforms can be fined for listing properties without valid registration certificates
• Listing Removal: Non-compliant properties may be removed from online platforms

City-Level Regulations: Cerritos vs. State

Cerritos Municipal Code Status

Based on the provided content, Cerritos does not appear to have specific city-level short-term rental ordinances. The city operates under its general municipal code structure but follows LA County guidelines for STRs. Key points:

• Municipal Code Structure: Cerritos has a comprehensive municipal code organized at www.codepublishing.com/CA/Cerritos/
• Charter City Status: As a charter city, Cerritos has broader local authority but has not enacted specific STR regulations
• County Precedence: LA County STR regulations take precedence in the absence of city-specific rules

State-Level California Regulations

In the absence of specific Cerritos ordinances, California state laws apply:

• Civil Code Section 1946.2: Establishes framework for short-term rental regulations
• Tax Requirements: State sales tax (8.75% combined rate) may apply in addition to local TOT
• Insurance Standards: California insurance requirements for rental properties

Contact Information for Local Authority

Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector - STR Unit

• Phone: (213) 974-2011
• Email: STRental@ttc.lacounty.gov
• Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM PT
• Online Portal: lacountystr.munirevs.com
• Complaint Hotline: (213) 371-1070 (24/7 GovOS Platform)

City of Cerritos - General Contact

• Address: 18125 Bloomfield Avenue, Cerritos, CA 90703
• Phone: (562) 860-0311
• Website: www.cerritos.gov
• Municipal Code: www.codepublishing.com/CA/Cerritos/
• Planning Department: Contact for zoning and development questions

Additional Contacts

• Code Enforcement: Report issues through Cerritos Code Enforcement division
• Business Licenses: Coordinate with LA County Business License section if needed
• Property Taxes: LA County Treasurer and Tax Collector for property tax questions

Links to Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Sources

• LA County STR Registration Portal: lacountystr.munirevs.com/login
• LA County STR Information: ttc.lacounty.gov/str/
• Short-Term Rentals Ordinance: ttc.lacounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Short-Term-Rental-Ordinance.pdf
• STR Terms & FAQs: ttc.lacounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/STR-Terms-and-FAQs-1.pdf

City of Cerritos Resources

• City Laws & Codes: www.cerritos.gov/city-government/city-laws-codes-and-regulations/
• Municipal Code: www.codepublishing.com/CA/Cerritos/
• Business Development: www.cerritos.gov/business-development/

Additional Resources

• Complaint Filing: str.govos.com/complaint/?cityid=1706
• LA County Property Tax Portal: www.lacountypropertytax.com/portal/default.aspx
• Business License Application: epicla.lacounty.gov/energov_prod/selfservice/Selfservice#/applicationAssistant?sectionName=All&moduleId=10&categoryName=County%20of%20Los%20Angeles%20Business%20License&showTemplates=false

Investment Considerations for Cerritos STR Market

Market Advantages

• Established Regulations: Clear LA County framework provides regulatory certainty
• Proximity to LA: Strong potential for both business and leisure travel demand
• Infrastructure: Well-developed transportation and amenities infrastructure

Compliance Monitoring

• Regular Updates: STR regulations evolve; stay informed through county communications
• Platform Compliance: Ensure listings reflect current registration status and compliance
• Neighbor Relations: Proactive community engagement helps prevent complaints

This comprehensive guide provides STR investors with the essential framework for operating compliant short-term rentals in the Cerritos, California market while maximizing investment potential within regulatory boundaries.