Overview — Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Lincoln Heights?

Yes—short‑term rentals are allowed in Lincoln Heights, but only if your property is in unincorporated Los Angeles County. Lincoln Heights is primarily within City of Los Angeles (CLos Angeles) jurisdiction; however, parcels along the western/northwestern edge of the neighborhood do fall within unincorporated Los Angeles County. Because STR rules and enforcement differ across city and county boundaries, you must first confirm your exact parcel’s jurisdiction. If your property is in the City of Los Angeles, the L.A. City ordinance governs; if it is in unincorporated Los Angeles County, the County Treasurer and Tax Collector (TTC) STR program governs.

• In unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County (including eligible parcels in Lincoln Heights):

  • STRs are allowed for stays of 30 consecutive days or less.
  • Hosts must obtain a Short‑Term Rental Registration Certificate from the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector prior to listing and hosting.
  • Hosts must collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) within 30 days of the rental start date.

• In the City of Los Angeles (the predominant jurisdiction for Lincoln Heights):

  • STRs are governed by the City of Los Angeles Short‑Term Rental Ordinance. Enforcement has been increased, and the City has taken action to stiffen compliance measures against illegal listings. City‑specific permit and operational details are not provided in this document and must be verified with the City.

Important note for coastal properties: STR registration requirements do not apply to properties in coastal zones, where short‑term rentals are currently unregulated. Most Lincoln Heights properties are not coastal; confirm if you are within the coastal zone.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Lincoln Heights

Follow these steps if your property is in unincorporated Los Angeles County:

1. Initial setup (one‑time)

• Contact the Short‑Term Rentals Unit to obtain your unique six‑digit Account Number and Activation Code:
  • Phone: (213) 974‑2011
  • Email: STRental@ttc.lacounty.gov
• Create your online account at lacountystr.munirevs.com using your Account Number and Activation Code.
• Complete the Short‑Term Rental Registration application and pay the registration fee.

2. Ongoing operations

• List only properties with a valid County registration certificate (or City permit, if in City of L.A.).
• Collect Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) from guests and remit within 30 days after the rental start date.
• Maintain records of bookings, guest stays, and TOT remittances.

3. Platform compliance

• Ensure your listing displays the required registration number or permit number as required by the County or City, as applicable.

If your parcel is in the City of Los Angeles, complete the City’s application and compliance process. The City has indicated stronger enforcement measures, and investors should expect City inspection and citation activity.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Unincorporated Los Angeles County (eligible Lincoln Heights parcels)

• Short‑Term Rental Registration Certificate (TTC)
  • Obtain your six‑digit Account Number and Activation Code from the STR Unit.
  • Submit registration application and pay the fee through lacountystr.munirevs.com.
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
  • Register your TOT account and file monthly TOT returns.
  • Collect TOT from guests and remit within 30 days after the rental start date.
• Operating guidance
  • Review the STR Ordinance and Terms & FAQs (2024) for operational limits, posting requirements, platform duties, and enforcement.

City of Los Angeles (the main Lincoln Heights jurisdiction)

• City Short‑Term Rental Permit
  • City application and registration required; full details not included here.
• City enforcement posture
  • The City has considered and acted on stiffer enforcement measures against illegal STR operations.

State of California

• State frameworks shape, but do not override, local STR ordinances:
  • SB 629 (2019): Clarifies that online booking platforms are responsible for collecting and remitting TOT on behalf of hosts unless the host provides proof of registration and tax compliance.
  • AB 781 (2019): Requires platforms to verify that hosts have valid registrations or permits and to delist non‑compliant properties.
  • AB 3383 (2024): Increases data‑sharing obligations of booking platforms and gives local governments tools to audit platform compliance and collect owed taxes.

Specific Regulations

Unincorporated Los Angeles County

• Eligible hosts: Homeowners or hosts whose primary residence is in unincorporated L.A. County and who rent a home or room(s) for short‑term stays of 30 consecutive days or less.
• Registration requirement: A Short‑Term Rental Registration Certificate is mandatory before renting.
• Transient Occupancy Tax:
  • Hosts must collect and pay TOT within 30 days after the rental start date.
  • Use the TTC portal to remit TOT and file monthly computation forms.
• Coastal zone exception: STR registration requirements do not apply to properties located in coastal zones, where STRs are currently unregulated.
• Enforcement:
  • Operating without a valid certificate can result in noncompliance fees, administrative fines, and removal of listings from online platforms.
  • The TTC can impose fines up to $1,000 per day on hosting platforms that list properties without valid registration.

City of Los Angeles

• City ordinance governs STRs within City boundaries; permits and operating rules apply.
• The City has acted to stiffen enforcement against noncompliant STRs, with increased inspections and citations against illegal listings.

State of California

• Platforms (e.g., Airbnb, Vrbo) must:
  • Collect and remit TOT unless the host demonstrates they are registered and tax‑compliant.
  • Verify host registrations/permits and delist non‑compliant hosts.
• Local governments may compel platforms to share data and audit compliance.
• Anti‑nuisance and land use controls vary by jurisdiction; hosts must follow local zoning and occupancy standards.

Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs)

Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector – Short‑Term Rentals Unit

• Phone: (213) 974‑2011
• Email: STRental@ttc.lacounty.gov
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
• Portal: lacountystr.munirevs.com
• Complaint Hotline (GovOS Platform): (213) 371‑1070 (available 24/7)
• Online complaint form: Short‑Term Rentals Online Complaint Website (GovOS)

For City of Los Angeles STR issues, contact the City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning or the appropriate City enforcement agency. City contact details are not provided in this document.

Links to Source Pages (as provided)

• Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector – Short‑Term Rentals: ttc.lacounty.gov/str/
• Los Angeles County – Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): ttc.lacounty.gov/tot/
• Short‑Term Rentals Online Complaint (GovOS): str.govos.com/complaint/?cityid=1706
• The Eastsider LA – City Council considers stiffer enforcement of short‑term rentals: www.theeastsiderla.com/news/city_news/l-a-city-council-to-consider-stiffer-enforcement-of-short-term-rentals/article_5ab59f34-b902-437e-8a18-4395cf1797b1.html

Compliance Checklist (Unincorporated L.A. County)

• Confirm jurisdiction (unincorporated vs. City of L.A.) for your parcel.
• Obtain a County STR Registration Certificate (or City permit).
• Set up TOT registration and configure monthly filing and remittance.
• Display required registration/permit numbers in listings.
• Maintain guest logs and tax records; remit TOT within 30 days after each stay.
• Monitor platform compliance rules; ensure listings remain active and compliant.
• Prepare for inspections; respond promptly to complaints and enforcement notices.