This guide provides an overview of short-term rental (STR) regulations in Van Nuys, California, specifically tailored for potential investors. Van Nuys falls under unincorporated Los Angeles County jurisdiction for STR regulations.

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Van Nuys?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Van Nuys, CA. This is because Van Nuys is located within the Unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. The County's Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance permits STRs as an accessory use to existing dwelling units in zones that allow residential uses, subject to strict regulations and permitting requirements. The County Treasurer and Tax Collector is the primary authority overseeing STR registration and taxation.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Van Nuys

Starting an STR business in Van Nuys (Unincorporated LA County) involves a specific, mandatory registration process with the County. Follow these steps to operate legally:

1. Obtain Account Credentials: Contact the LA County Short-Term Rentals Unit at (213) 974-2011 or STRental@ttc.lacounty.gov. You will receive a unique six-digit Account Number and an Activation Code, which are required to proceed.
2. Create Your Online Account: Visit the official STR registration portal at lacountystr.munirevs.com. Use the Account Number and Activation Code from Step 1 to create your secure online account.
3. Submit Application and Payment: Log in to your account. Complete the application for a Short-Term Rental Registration Certificate and pay the associated registration fee.

Crucial Note: Before renting out your property, you must also handle Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) registration and payment, as detailed in the next section.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

To legally operate an STR in Van Nuys (Unincorporated LA County), you must secure the following:

1. Short-Term Rental Registration Certificate: This is the primary permit issued by the LA County Treasurer and Tax Collector after completing the registration process above. Operating without this certificate is illegal and carries significant penalties.
2. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) Registration: While the STR Registration Certificate process guides you through it, all hosts must register for TOT. This is a separate tax requirement.
3. Compliance with County Ordinances: Hosts must adhere to all requirements outlined in the official Los Angeles County Short-Term Rental Ordinance. This document is the definitive legal source for all regulations. Key operational guidelines include:
   • The property must be the host's primary residence, or the host must be renting a room(s) within their home.
   • Stays must be for 30 consecutive days or less.
   • Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).
   • Important Exception: STR regulations do not apply to properties located in coastal zones, where short-term rentals are currently unregulated by the County.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals (Van Nuys, LA County, CA)

The following are the key regulations enforced by Los Angeles County for STRs in Van Nuys:

• Eligibility: Only hosts whose primary residence is in Unincorporated LA County, and who are renting their home or a room(s) within it, are eligible.
• Stay Duration: Rentals must be for 30 consecutive days or less.
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): All hosts must collect and pay the TOT. This is typically a percentage of the rental price and must be remitted to the County within 30 days after the rental start date. Payment can be made online via the STR portal.
• Primary Residence Requirement: The STR must be the host's primary residence. Renting out properties that are not your primary home is prohibited.
• Coastal Zone Exemption: As noted, properties within the coastal zone are exempt from these regulations.
• Enforcement and Penalties: Operating without a valid Registration Certificate is a serious violation. The Treasurer and Tax Collector can impose fines of up to $1,000 per day on hosting platforms (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO) for listing unregistered properties. Hosts themselves face noncompliance fees and administrative fines. You can report violations through the official online complaint portal or by calling the 24/7 hotline at (213) 371-1070.
• Temporary Fire-Related Suspensions: Certain STR restrictions may be temporarily suspended to provide emergency housing for those affected by wildfires. Check the County's official communications for the latest updates on any temporary changes.

Contact Information for Local STR Authority

For direct inquiries, compliance questions, or to begin the registration process, contact the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector's Short-Term Rentals Unit:

• Phone: (213) 974-2011
• Email: STRental@ttc.lacounty.gov
• Website (STR Information & Portal): https://ttc.lacounty.gov/str/
• STR Registration Portal: https://lacountystr.munirevs.com/login
• Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT

Source Links

• Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector - Short-Term Rentals
• Los Angeles County Short-Term Rental Ordinance (PDF)
• Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning - Short-Term Rentals Ordinance