Pasadena Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Pasadena, California?

If you're considering venturing into the short-term rental business in Pasadena, California, it's crucial to understand the local regulations. Pasadena allows both hosted and un-hosted short-term rentals, subject to certain limitations1. A short-term rental is defined as a dwelling unit shared for transient occupancy for periods of up to 30 consecutive days1. To operate a short-term rental in Pasadena, you must comply with the following regulations and requirements:

Licensing and Permitting: Obtain a short-term rental permit and license. The new short-term rental permitting system, RentalScape, is set to launch on January 22, 20241. The permit and license must be renewed annually.

Property Ownership and Residency: You must be the owner of the property and reside there for at least nine months in a calendar year2.

Tax Obligations: Collect and remit transient occupancy tax (TOT) and Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) assessments on a quarterly basis1. The current TOT rate in Pasadena is 12.11%5.

Zoning and Building Compliance: Ensure compliance with the Pasadena Zoning Code and the city's building and housing standards1.

Documentation: Required documents for a short-term rental license include written consent from the property owner (if applicable), the short-term rental permit number, and a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate to collect taxes2.

Contact Information: For inquiries about short-term rental regulations and zoning in Pasadena, you can reach out to the Pasadena Planning & Community Development Department at (626) 744-67772.

It's important to note that vacation rentals and properties where the owner does not reside for a minimum of nine months out of the year are not permitted for short-term rentals in Pasadena3. Additionally, hosts are required to comply with other local ordinances, such as noise restrictions and litter control5.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Pasadena

To start a short-term rental business in Pasadena, you must adhere to specific regulations and procedures. Pasadena allows both hosted and unhosted short-term rentals, subject to limitations outlined in Ordinance No. 73171. Here are the key steps to get started:

• Property Ownership: You must be the owner of the property and live there for at least nine months in a calendar year3.
• Short-Term Rental Permit: Obtain a valid short-term rental permit from the City of Pasadena. The new short-term rental permitting system, RentalScape, will be launching on January 22, 20241. The permit must be renewed annually1.
• Zoning Code Compliance: Ensure compliance with the Pasadena Zoning Code for further regulations that may apply to your listing1.
• Taxes: Collect and pay the required taxes, including the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) at a rate of 12.11%2.
• Licensing and Registration: Obtain a valid short-term rental license and register with the City of Pasadena by applying online and paying a fee of $100, plus administrative fees. The license must be renewed annually14.

It's important to note that short-term rentals in Pasadena must be the host's primary residence, and the property owner must reside there for a minimum of nine months per year3.

Additionally, the property must comply with the city's building and housing standards, ensuring minimum design, maintenance, habitability, and safety requirements are met3.For the most current and detailed regulations, it is advisable to refer directly to the official sources, such as the City of Pasadena's website and the specific ordinances mentioned, to ensure full compliance with the requirements.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Pasadena

To launch a successful short-term rental business in Pasadena, follow these steps:

• Property Ownership: Ensure you own the property and live there for at least nine months in a calendar year3.
• Obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit: Apply for a permit through the City of Pasadena's RentalScape system, which will be launched on January 22, 20241. Pay the required fee, including a $100 permit fee and administrative fees5.
• License Renewal: Remember to renew your license annually5.
• Zoning Code Compliance: Consult the Pasadena Zoning Code for additional regulations that may apply to your listing5.
• Building and Housing Standards: Ensure your property meets minimum design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements as specified by the City of Pasadena4.
• Taxes: Collect and pay the required taxes, including a 12.11% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and possibly state and county sales taxes4.

By following these guidelines and adhering to Pasadena's short-term rental regulations, you can establish a successful short-term rental business in this vibrant city.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Pasadena

Short-term rental regulations in Pasadena, California are designed to ensure that hosts comply with the city's zoning code, building and housing standards, and tax requirements. To operate a short-term rental business in Pasadena, you must obtain a valid short-term rental permit, comply with all regulations of the Pasadena Municipal Code, and pay the required taxes, including the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) at a rate of 12.11%. Here are some key details about the short-term rental licensing requirements in Pasadena:

• Short-term rentals, both hosted and un-hosted, are permitted under Pasadena Ordinance No. 713712.
• The short-term rental must be the host's primary residence, and the host must live there for at least nine months in a calendar year1235.
• A Short-Term Rental Permit is necessary, and you can apply online and pay a fee of $100, plus administrative fees12.
• The permit must be renewed annually12.
• The short-term rental activity must comply with all provisions of the Pasadena Municipal Code, including Noise Restrictions and Litter Control4.
• Hosts shall advertise, maintain, authorize, or facilitate transient guests in a way that complies with the Pasadena Municipal Code2.
• No one shall advertise a short-term rental without a City-issued Short Term Rental Permit number, including any listing on a hosting platform2.
• Un-hosted stays shall be limited to 90 days a year at most. However, there shall be no limit to hosted stays2.
• Maximum occupancy of a short-term rental is two guests per bedroom2.

To get started with your short-term rental business in Pasadena, you must follow these steps:

• Ensure that you own the property and live there for at least nine months in a calendar year3.
• Obtain a valid short-term rental permit from the City of Pasadena. You can apply online and pay a fee of $100, plus administrative fees12.
• Ensure that your property meets minimum design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements as specified by the City of Pasadena2.
• Collect and pay the required taxes, including the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) at a rate of 12.11%2.

In conclusion, while Pasadena has regulations in place to govern short-term rentals, the level of enforcement may vary. Hosts in Pasadena have varying opinions on the local regulations, with some expressing concerns about the strictness of the rules and the potential impact on their businesses, while others have found ways to comply with the regulations and continue operating their short-term rentals.

Required Documents for Pasadena Short Term Rentals

To operate a short-term rental in Pasadena, California, you must ensure compliance with specific regulations and provide the necessary documentation. Here are the required documents for Pasadena short-term rentals:

• Short-Term Rental Permit: Obtain a valid short-term rental permit from the City of Pasadena. The new short-term rental permitting system, RentalScape, is set to launch on January 22, 2024. The permit application will be available through this system. During the transition period, the city is not processing permit renewals, new applications, or remittance of taxes and assessments1.
• Proof of Property Ownership and Residency: You must provide proof of property ownership and demonstrate residency at the property for a minimum of nine months in a calendar year. If you are not the property owner, written consent must be obtained from the owner to operate a short-term rental2.
• Tax Identification Number: You will need to provide your tax identification number when applying for the short-term rental permit1.
• Business License (if applicable): Depending on the nature of your short-term rental business, you may need to obtain a business license. It is advisable to consult with the City of Pasadena or a legal professional to determine the specific licensing requirements for your situation.
• Compliance with Zoning Code and Safety Standards: Ensure that your property complies with the Pasadena Zoning Code and meets the required safety standards, including having operable smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers2.
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and TBID Assessments: Short-term rental operators are required to remit TOT and TBID assessments on a quarterly basis. This involves reporting and remitting the taxes and assessments to the City of Pasadena as per the established schedule1.

It's important to note that the information provided is based on the available resources and the specific requirements may be subject to change. For the most current and detailed guidance, it is recommended to refer directly to the official sources, such as the City of Pasadena's website or consult with the relevant authorities.

Pasadena Short Term Rental Taxes

Short-term rental taxes in Pasadena are an essential aspect of operating a short-term rental business. Hosts must collect and remit the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) at a rate of 12.11% on reservations of less than 30 nights2. Additionally, starting from July 1, 2023, short-term rental hosts will also be responsible for remitting a Pasadena Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) assessment1.

The TBID assessment is a fee of 1.5% of the total rent charged for each short-term rental1.To obtain a short-term rental permit, hosts must also pay a $100 fee, plus administrative fees1. Hosts must renew their license annually1. The City of Pasadena requires hosts to register by filling out the application form online and paying the fee2.It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations4. Hosts should consult the Pasadena Zoning Code for further regulations that may apply to their listing1.

While specific enforcement details are not available in the search results, Pasadena has a history of enforcing its short-term rental regulations4. The level of enforcement may vary, and it is essential to comply with the rules to avoid potential penalties.Overall, short-term rental hosts in Pasadena have varying opinions on the local regulations. Some hosts express concerns about the strictness of the rules and the potential impact on their businesses1. However, others have found ways to comply with the regulations and continue operating their short-term rentals1.

California Wide Short Term Rental Rules

Short-term rentals in California are subject to various state and local regulations. These rules aim to ensure the safety and satisfaction of guests, hosts, and their communities.

Some key regulations include:

• Property Ownership: You must be the owner of the property and live there for at least nine months in a calendar year2.
• Short-Term Rental Permit: Obtain a valid short-term rental permit from the city or county where your property is located1.
• Zoning Code Compliance: Consult the zoning code for further regulations that may apply to your listing3.
• Building and Housing Standards: Ensure your property meets minimum design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements as specified by the city or county5.
• Taxes: Collect and pay the required taxes, including the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) at a rate of 12.11% 2. Short-term rentals might also be subject to state and county sales taxes2.
• Other Contracts or Rules: Understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo board or co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations3.

These regulations vary by city and county, so it is essential to familiarize yourself with the specific rules in your area. For example, Pasadena has its own set of regulations, as outlined in Pasadena Ordinance 71371.

Does Pasadena Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Pasadena has regulations in place for short-term rentals (STRs), and it is essential to comply with these rules to avoid potential penalties. The City of Pasadena defines STRs as dwelling units shared for transient occupancy for periods of up to 30 consecutive days3. While specific enforcement details are not available in the search results, Pasadena has a history of enforcing its short-term rental regulations.

For example, the city has issued fines for violations of the transient occupancy regulations4.Pasadena's short-term rental regulations are outlined in the City Code of Ordinances, including Chapter 9.36 (Noise Restrictions) and Chapter 8.64 (Litter Control)3. The City of Pasadena requires short-term rental operators to obtain a valid short-term rental permit, which can be applied for online, and pay a fee of $100, plus administrative fees1.

The license must be renewed annually1.Pasadena imposes a 12.11% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on short-term rentals2. Additionally, short-term rentals might be subject to state and county sales taxes2. It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations3.Overall, the sentiment among Airbnb hosts in Pasadena seems to be mixed, with some hosts feeling frustrated by the regulations, while others have adapted to the rules and continue to operate their businesses1. While it is unclear how strictly Pasadena enforces its STR rules, it is essential to comply with the regulations to avoid potential penalties.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Pasadena?

To start a short-term rental business in Pasadena, California, you must adhere to specific regulations and obtain the necessary permits and licenses. Here are the key steps to get started:

• Property Ownership and Residency: You must be the owner of the property and live there for at least nine months in a calendar year to qualify for a short-term rental permit2.
• Short-Term Rental Permit and License: Obtain a short-term rental permit and license from the City of Pasadena. This can be done by applying online and paying a fee, plus administrative fees. The license must be renewed annually1.
• Required Documents: To apply for a short-term rental license, you will need written consent from the property owner if you do not own the property, a tax identification number, and a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate to collect taxes2.
• Taxes: Pasadena imposes a 12.11% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on short-term rental revenue, which must be collected and remitted quarterly2.
• Zoning Code Compliance: Ensure that your short-term rental complies with Pasadena's Zoning Code, which includes restrictions on using the property for commercial events and allowing only one rental contract at any time5.
• Contact Information: For further information and assistance with short-term rental regulations and zoning in Pasadena, you can contact the Pasadena Planning & Community Development Department at (626) 744-67772.

It's important to note that the regulations and requirements for short-term rentals can vary between different cities and municipalities in California, so it's essential to specifically review the guidelines for the location in which you plan to operate.By following these steps and ensuring compliance with the relevant regulations, you can establish and operate a short-term rental business in Pasadena, California.

Who to contact in Pasadena about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

Contact the Pasadena Planning & Community Development Department at (626) 744-6777 with any questions about short term rental regulations and zoning in Pasadena.

What Pasadena Hosts on BiggerPockets and Reddit Say About Regulations

Hosts in Pasadena have expressed various concerns and experiences regarding the local short-term rental regulations. Some hosts have voiced frustrations about the strict regulations, high taxes, and potential fines in Pasadena1. These hosts have highlighted the challenges of compliance, including the requirement to obtain written consent from the property owner, the need to collect and remit transient occupancy taxes, and the limitations on the number of units that can be rented out.

Additionally, some hosts have mentioned the stringent enforcement of the rules, with reports of large fines being levied for violations1. As a result, many hosts have chosen not to operate in Pasadena due to the perceived unfriendliness of the city towards Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms1.

The sentiment from these sources suggests that compared to other California cities, Pasadena may pose more significant obstacles for short-term rental hosts.