Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Malibu?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Malibu, California, but they are heavily regulated and require proper permits. The City of Malibu has established a comprehensive regulatory framework through Ordinance No. 468, which went into effect on January 15, 2021. Operating or advertising a short-term rental without a valid permit is strictly prohibited and subject to significant penalties.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Malibu

To legally operate a short-term rental business in Malibu, you must follow these essential steps:

1. Verify Property Eligibility: Ensure your property meets all city requirements, including having a valid Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) operating permit or compliance agreement as of January 1, 2023.

2. Obtain Proper Documentation: Gather all required documents including proof of ownership (Grant Deed and operating agreement if applicable).

3. Apply for STR Permit: Submit your application through the city's approved process, either online or by mail.

4. Complete Safety Requirements: Install necessary safety equipment including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers.

5. Register for Tax Collection: Set up systems to collect and remit the 15% Transient Occupancy Tax.

6. Establish Local Contact: Designate a local contact person available 24/7 for guest issues.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permit Required

• Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit: Mandatory for all short-term rental operations

Required Documentation

• Proof of Ownership: Grant Deed and operating agreement (if applicable)
• Signed Attestation Page: Must include wet signatures and be mailed to the city
• OWTS Operating Permit: Valid Onsite Wastewater Treatment System permit or compliance agreement (required as of January 1, 2023)

Application Fee

• $495: Payable to the City of Malibu (online applications accept credit cards, mail-in applications require checks)

Safety Requirements

• Smoke detectors throughout the property
• Carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate locations
• Fire extinguishers readily accessible
• Posted Short-Term Rental Code of Conduct at main entrance

Operational Requirements

• Local contact person available 24/7
• Occupancy limits as specified on permit (maximum 14 individuals without special event permit)
• Guest registration and tax collection systems

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Current Enforcement Ordinance (Ordinance No. 468)

Effective Date: January 15, 2021

Key Provisions:

• Annual permit renewal required (applications must be submitted at least 30 days before expiration)
• Substantial penalties for non-compliance: $1,000 per day OR twice the advertised daily rental rate, whichever is higher
• Mandatory provision of City's Short-Term Rental Code of Conduct to all guests
• 24/7 local contact requirement

Upcoming Hosted Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Ordinance No. 472)

Status: Adopted but not yet in effect, pending California Coastal Commission certification

Additional Requirements When Effective:

• Hosted Rentals Only: Host must be present on-site between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM
• Primary Residence Requirement: Only primary residences eligible for hosted short-term rentals
• Multifamily Property Restrictions: Maximum 40% of units may be rented short-term, not exceeding two units per parcel

State-Level Regulations (California)

• Compliance with California Coastal Commission requirements for coastal properties
• State tax obligations and reporting requirements
• Environmental and safety standards as mandated by state law

Tax Obligations

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT):

• Rate: 15% (increased from 12% effective January 1, 2021, following approval of Measure T)
• Collection: Hosts must collect from guests and remit to the city
• Platform Integration: Some platforms like Airbnb automatically collect and remit; others like Vrbo may not

Permit Renewal Process

• Renewal applications required annually
• Must be submitted at least 30 days before current permit expiration
• Late applications accepted at city manager's discretion but unlikely to be processed before expiration
• No automatic extension of permits during renewal processing

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Short-Term Rental Support Staff

• Email: STRSupport@malibucity.org
• Phone: 310-456-2489, ext. 381
• Mailing Address: City of Malibu Short-Term Rental Permit Program 23825 Stuart Ranch Road Malibu, CA 90265

General City Planning Department

• Email: mPlanning@malibucity.org
• Phone: 310-456-2489, ext. 485

STR Nuisance Reporting

• STR Hotline: 310-456-2489, ext. 308
• Email: STR@malibucity.org

Transient Occupancy Tax Questions

• Finance Division: 310-456-2489

Emergency Contact

• Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station: 310-456-6652
• Emergency: 911

Source Links and Additional Resources

Official City Resources

• Primary STR Program Page: www.malibucity.org/820/Short-Term-Rental-Program
• STR Ordinances in Progress: www.malibucity.org/1070/STR-Ordinances-In-Progress
• Online Application Portal: secure.hostcompliance.com/malibu-ca/permit-registration

Key Documents (Available on City Website)

• Ordinance No. 468 (Enforcement Ordinance)
• Ordinance No. 472 (Hosted STR Ordinance)
• Short-Term Rental Code of Conduct
• Mail-in Application Form
• Property Owner Attestations Form
• Amendment Request Form
• Appeal Form

Application Processes

Online Application: Complete application through Host Compliance portal, upload documents, pay by credit card, then mail wet-signature attestation page to city.

Mail-in Application: Complete paper application form, include all required documents and check for $495, mail complete package to city address.

Appeal Process

Property owners may appeal permit decisions by submitting written challenges within 30 calendar days of notification. Appeals are heard by the Planning Commission following procedures outlined in Malibu Municipal Code Section 17.04.220.

This regulatory environment requires careful attention to compliance details and ongoing monitoring of evolving requirements, particularly regarding the upcoming Hosted STR Ordinance and its interaction with California Coastal Commission decisions.