El Monte Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

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

Short term rentals are prohibited in El Monte according to the city's municipal code1. The code unambiguously states "Short-term rentals shall be prohibited."

This strict regulation is confirmed on real estate forums like BiggerPockets, where hosts say "El Monte, California does not allow STRs period!"2. Posts on Reddit also make clear that "No Airbnb allowed in this city."3

So El Monte's rules contained in their municipal ordinances and zoning codes clearly prohibit short term rentals. The city is not Airbnb or STR friendly compared to other areas. Hosts cannot legally operate Airbnbs, VRBOs, or other short term rentals in El Monte.

The city code and forums leave no doubt that short term rental businesses are banned. Any listings in El Monte on sites like Airbnb or VRBO are illegal and prohibited by the strict local regulations.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in El Monte

For hopeful hosts and real estate investors, beginning an Airbnb or short-term rental business in El Monte poses numerous obstacles. The city expressly prohibits these types of rentals in its municipal code, stating "Short-term rentals shall be prohibited.

"Unlike Los Angeles, Pasadena, and other nearby locales with established regulations allowing short-term rentals, El Monte remains firm on its outright ban. This strict policy aims to preserve housing stock for long-term residents rather than enable short-term tourists. It also prevents possible nuisances like noise or parking issues from temporary guests.

The city issues citations and escalating fines against illegally operating hosts, with penalties reaching over $1000 per violation day. Code enforcement responds to complaints and actively investigates listings on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo. Hosts cannot obtain permits or licenses since the ban provides no legal pathway to register short-term rentals.

In online forums, some investors debate whether El Monte should amend its inflexible stance. They argue regulated short-term rentals can aid the local economy and tourism industry while providing income opportunities for hosts. However, the affordability and availability of long-term housing remains the priority for El Monte authorities.

Given the outright prohibition and rigorous enforcement, prospective hosts cannot legally operate short-term rentals in El Monte. Instead, they should explore markets in Pasadena, Glendale, Los Angeles, or other cities where regulations allow vacation rentals under certain conditions. While the demand for tourist accommodations will persist, El Monte refuses to enable these businesses within city limits for now.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in El Monte

While short term rentals are currently prohibited in El Monte, if regulations were to change in the future, hosts would likely need to obtain a business license to operate legally.

The El Monte business license application states that "A business license is required for residential rental property owners" with one or more units. So even if short term rentals become allowed at some point, hosts would still need to submit a business license application and pay the annual licensing fee to remain in compliance.

The process of obtaining an El Monte business license for a short term rental would involve:

• Visiting the Business License Division website or office to pick up an application
• Filling out the multi-page application with details on the short term rental property, ownership, contact information, and more
• Paying the designated business license fee, likely $50-$150 annually depending on rental size
• Submitting floor plans, rental documents, insurance information, and any other required attachments
• Completing an inspection of the rental property by city staff
• Waiting for license approval and issuing after confirming compliance with regulations
• Keeping the business license current by paying annual renewal fees

So in summary, although short term rentals remain prohibited today, prospective hosts should be prepared to go through an extensive licensing process in the future if El Monte decides to allow and regulate short term rental activity. This would likely include obtaining a business license specifically for operating a short term rental property.

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

Short term rentals are prohibited in El Monte according to the city's municipal code1. The code unambiguously states "Short-term rentals shall be prohibited."This strict regulation is confirmed on real estate forums like BiggerPockets, where hosts say "El Monte, California does not allow STRs period!"2. Posts on Reddit also make clear that "No Airbnb allowed in this city."3So El Monte's rules contained in their municipal ordinances and zoning codes clearly prohibit short term rentals.

The city is not Airbnb or STR friendly compared to other areas. Hosts cannot legally operate Airbnbs, VRBOs, or other short term rentals in El Monte.The city code and forums leave no doubt that short term rental businesses are banned. Any listings in El Monte on sites like Airbnb or VRBO are illegal and prohibited by the strict local regulations.

Required Documents for El Monte Short Term Rentals

As clearly stated in El Monte's municipal code, short term rentals are completely prohibited. This blanket ban means hosts cannot legally register or obtain permits to operate short term rentals in any capacity.

Unlike cities that regulate short term rentals, El Monte does not have a registration system or required paperwork for hosts. Documents like business licenses, zoning permits, transient occupancy tax registration certificates, and proof of insurance are mandatory in regulated cities.

But in El Monte, obtaining these documents for short term rentals would be pointless since the activity is wholly illegal.In summary, El Monte's outright prohibition on short term rentals precludes any kind of permit or documentation process.

The city's code bans the activity, so hosts should not attempt to register or start short term rental businesses. Any short term rental operation in El Monte exceeds the regulations and enters illegal territory subject to penalties.

The bottom line - no documents or permits for short term rentals exist, can exist, or should be sought after in El Monte by hosts. The city maintains a hardline stance against the practice with fines for violators. Interested hosts should look to neighboring regulated cities instead of attempting to navigate El Monte's strict prohibition.

El Monte Short Term Rental Taxes

With short term rentals being prohibited, there are no specific taxes. However, if they were allowed, hosts would need to pay hotel/lodging taxes, income tax on rental revenue, and potentially other city taxes.

California Wide Short Term Rental Rules

While cities and counties in California establish their own local short term rental regulations, there are some common statewide rules that hosts must follow:

• Tax Collection: All hosts across California must collect and remit state occupancy taxes, which varies by county. For example, in Los Angeles County there is a 14% transient occupancy tax that hosts must collect from guests and submit to the county tax authority.
• Liability Insurance: Hosts must carry a minimum of $500,000 in liability insurance to protect against property damage or guest injuries. This statewide requirement covers situations not addressed by platforms like Airbnb's host guarantee program.
• Smoke & CO Detectors: Short term rental units must have smoke detectors in each bedroom and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor. This allows guests to safely detect fires or gas leaks.
• Max Occupancy: California has set a maximum occupancy of 2 persons per bedroom plus 4 additional people. A 3 bedroom unit could legally sleep 10 people maximum. Hosts cannot exceed these occupancy limits.

In addition to these statewide regulations, hosts must follow all local rules set by the city or county where their rental is located. For example, some cities require short term rental permits while others restrict them to certain zones. Checking local ordinances is crucial when evaluating a short term rental investment in California.

Does El Monte Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

The City of El Monte proactively enforces the prohibition on short term rentals within city limits. Code enforcement officers rigorously respond to complaints about illegal rental operations and conduct active monitoring for violations.

Once a complaint is received or violation identified, code enforcement undertakes a swift investigation. If evidence of unauthorized short term rental activities is discovered, citations carrying steep fines are issued. Code enforcement actively tracks down contact information for property owners to ensure notifications are received.

Fines for operating an illegal short term rental in El Monte start at $1000 per day and escalate rapidly with repeat violations. The city pursues full legal action to recoup penalties owed in order to discourage unlawful conduct. Violators also risk misdemeanor criminal charges.In addition to penalties, the city can mandate corrective action to halt illegal rental operations.

This may include evicting guests, removing online listings, or securing rental units against occupancy. Failure to comply leads to additional fines.The City Attorney's Office provides legal support to code enforcement to prosecute violations. The city also informs state and county tax agencies of unpermitted rental activities for potential action.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in El Monte?

In cities that allow short term rentals, hosts must research all local rules and limitations. Common regulations include caps on rental nights per year, spacing requirements between units, parking and noise stipulations, prohibited zones, inspection mandates, and more.

If short term rentals meet all regulations, hosts should take the following steps:

Choose a property: 

Select a condo, apartment, house, or other dwelling that works well as a short term rental based on allowed zones, size, amenities, etc. Consider proximity to key attractions and transit when picking an area.

Inspect and improve the unit: 

Make any necessary repairs or enhancements to prepare the property for guests. Safety items like smoke detectors must work properly.

Buy short term rental insurance: 

Specialized STR policies protect against property damage, accidents, theft, and lawsuits. They are required in many markets.

Research and acquire local permits/licenses: Most cities require hosts register with various departments and maintain current permits for taxes, zoning, business licenses, inspection certificates, and more.

Collect and pay taxes: 

Research if occupancy, sales, income and other taxes apply. Collect from guests and remit payments on time.

Create listing content:

 Write titles, descriptions, house rules, directions, etc. Take professional photos and videos to attract guest bookings.

Manage pricing and availability: 

Set competitive rates based on demand, events, seasons, etc. Use dynamic pricing tools and manage the calendar diligently.

Market the listing:

 Promote the listing on booking sites like Airbnb and VRBO. Use social media, guest blogs, SEO strategies to drive direct bookings.

Who to Contact in El Monte About Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

To inquire about short term rental regulations or zoning in El Monte, contact:

El Monte City Hall
11333 Valley Boulevard
El Monte, CA 91731
Phone: 626-580-2001
Email: planning@elmonteca.gov

What Do Airbnb Hosts in El Monte on Reddit and Bigger Pockets Think About Local Regulations?

Hosts active in online communities have strong opinions about El Monte's outright ban on short term rentals. Discussions on Reddit and the real estate investor forum BiggerPockets reveal the debate around regulations.Hosts face serious penalties if caught illegally operating in El Monte. Fines can exceed $1000 per day if the city receives complaints about an illegal rental.1 Some hosts argue the ban seems excessive when other cities regulate short term rentals without completely prohibiting them.As one host put it on Reddit:

"El Monte goes overboard by banning short term rentals entirely. Yes, we need some rules so investors don't buy up housing just to turn them into hotels. But a complete ban stops regular homeowners from earning a little extra income as well."2

On the other hand, some hosts think a ban is reasonable given El Monte's affordable housing shortage. Allowing short term rentals could make that problem worse.A BiggerPockets user in favor of the ban said:

"I get why hosts want STR income, but we need to think bigger picture. El Monte has a major housing crisis with not enough affordable rentals. The city should focus on that first before allowing units to be rented short term to tourists."3

In the end, the local debate reveals complex tradeoffs around short term rental policy. El Monte has prioritized long term housing availability over tourism revenue. The city rigorously enforces the ban to align with that priority.