Property owners who want to rent out space in homes or apartments with services such as Airbnb can now register with the city as part of a new ordinance that governs short-term rentals.

Registration information is available on a new STRs program webpage.

The City Council in June adopted the new law governing short-term rentals, which had technically been illegal in Long Beach but had operated—in some areas, with controversy—for some time.

Provisions of the ordinance include:

  • Any short-term rental unit must have a host, such as an owner or tenant, who is present throughout a guest’s stay. The city does not currently allow for un-hosted rentals, however, staff is expected to bring forward an item in November regarding regulations for operating un-hosted rentals.
  • Accessory dwelling units are not allowed for short-term rental use.
  • If an individual applying for registration is not the property owner, they must submit a signed and notarized property owner consent form at the time of registration.
  • Registrations are valid for one year from the date of issuance.
  • The maximum number of guests, including the host or hosts, who may occupy the rental at a time is limited to two per bedroom, plus two; the maximum occupancy may not exceed 10 persons, unless an occasional event permit has been issued.
  • Until the California Coastal Commission takes action on the city’s new ordinance, the city will not be accepting applications for such rentals in the city’s coastal zone, generally areas south of Broadway.

The city will maintain a list of residential apartment building property owners and homeowners’ associations in Long Beach who want to prohibit anyone from obtaining  registration on their property. Landlords and HOAs interested in being included on the list must complete and notarize a self-certification form, which is available on the STRs webpage.

“We believe that the hosted short-term rental program is fair and well thought out for property owners and residents alike,” Development Services Department Director Oscar Orci said in a statement. “It will provide additional lodging/housing opportunities while providing safeguards to preserve the character of our diverse residential neighborhoods across the city,”

For help or more information, call 562-570-6820 or email [email protected].