Torrance Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

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

Short term rental regulations in Torrance are found in the city's municipal code and ordinances. Specifically, Section 92.43 of the Torrance Municipal Code covers rules for short term rentals1. Additional regulations related to licensing, taxes, zoning, and nuisance issues also apply to short term rental operators in the city2345.

To legally operate a short term rental in Torrance, hosts must obtain a permit and business license from the city14. The city requires short term rental hosts to have liability insurance, pay transient occupancy taxes, and notify neighbors about the rental23. Fines can be levied against hosts who violate regulations1.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Torrance

If you're thinking about starting a short-term rental business in Torrance, it's important to understand the regulations and requirements that apply to this type of business. In 2019, the Torrance City Council adopted the Short Term Rental Ordinance (O-3861), which defines the types of short-term rentals permitted and establishes a registration process and other requirements. Short-term rentals are defined as the rental of any residence for a period of 30 consecutive calendar days or less.

They are permitted in the vast majority of Torrance, including the Coastal Zone.To operate a short-term rental in Torrance, you'll need to obtain a short-term rental permit from the Permit Center, which is located at Torrance City Hall. You'll also need to acquire a business license from the Business License Division and remit Uniform Occupancy Tax to the Revenue Division. The short-term rental operator is required to remit Uniform Occupancy Tax.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Torrance

Short term rentals are a popular option for travelers looking for a unique and affordable experience. However, before starting a short term rental business in Torrance, California, it is important to understand the regulations and requirements set forth by the city.According to HostScouts1, the City of Torrance requires a business license to operate a short term rental and a short term rental permit.

Short term rentals are permitted in the vast majority of the city, including the Coastal Zone. In commercial zones, short term rentals are permitted in residences with or without a host living on-site. In residential zones, short term rentals are permitted in residences solely as a home share with a host living on-site.To operate a short term rental in Torrance, a short term rental permit is required. Permit applications are accepted at the Permit Center, located at Torrance City Hall.

A business license is also required, and the short term rental operator is required to remit Uniform Occupancy Tax2.The Torrance Municipal Code Section 92.43 outlines the regulations for short term rentals in the city. The short term rental operator is required to remit Uniform Occupancy Tax, and a series of fines are instituted to ensure compliance with regulations4.In 2020, the California Coastal Commission approved local regulation of short term rentals in the Coastal Zone, and in May 2021, the Torrance City Council adopted amendments to the Short Term Rental Ordinance (O-3890) 1.

To start a short term rental business in Torrance, it is important to familiarize yourself with the Short Term Rental Ordinance (O-3861), obtain a short term rental permit from Torrance City Hall, acquire a business license from the Torrance Business License Division, and remit Uniform Occupancy Tax to the Torrance Revenue Division1.

Required Documents for Torrance Short Term Rentals

To operate a short term rental in Torrance, you will need to obtain the following documents:

• Short Term Rental Permit: A permit is required to operate a short term rental in Torrance. Permit applications are accepted at the Torrance City Hall3.
• Business License: A business license is required to operate a short term rental in Torrance2.
• Uniform Occupancy Tax Remittance: The short-term rental operator is required to remit the Uniform Occupancy Tax2.

Torrance Short Term Rental Taxes

Short term rental taxes are an important aspect of operating a short term rental business in Torrance, California. The city requires short term rental operators to remit the Uniform Occupancy Tax, which is a tax on the rental of transient lodging. This tax is collected by the city and used to fund various city services and programs. To remit the Uniform Occupancy Tax, short term rental operators must contact the Revenue Division at (310) 618-583012.It is important for short term rental operators to comply with the tax regulations in Torrance to avoid any penalties or fines.

The city has established a series of fines for non-compliance with the Short Term Rental Ordinance (O-3861) and other regulations. To ensure compliance with regulations, short term rental operators should obtain a short term rental permit, a business license, and remit the Uniform Occupancy Tax4.In addition to the local regulations, short term rental operators should also be aware of the California-wide short term rental rules. In 2020, the California Coastal Commission approved local regulation of short term rentals in the Coastal Zone, and in May 2021, the Torrance City Council adopted amendments to the Short Term Rental Ordinance (O-3890)1.

Overall, short term rental taxes are an important aspect of operating a short term rental business in Torrance, California. Short term rental operators should comply with the local and state regulations to avoid any penalties or fines.

California Wide Short Term Rental Rules

Short term rentals have become increasingly popular in California, and as a result, many cities have implemented regulations to ensure compliance with local laws and ordinances. Torrance, California is no exception. In 2019, the Torrance City Council adopted the Short Term Rental Ordinance (O-3861), which defines the types of short term rentals permitted and establishes a registration and other requirements. Short term rentals are defined as the rental of any residence for a period of 30 consecutive calendar days or less.

They are permitted in the vast majority of Torrance, including the Coastal Zone.To operate a short term rental in Torrance, a short term rental permit is required, and permit applications are accepted at the Torrance City Hall. A business license is also required, and the short term rental operator is required to remit Uniform Occupancy Tax.

Hosts in Torrance are required to remit Uniform Occupancy Tax for their short term rentals.In 2020, the California Coastal Commission approved local regulation of short term rentals in the Coastal Zone, and in May 2021, the Torrance City Council adopted amendments to the Short Term Rental Ordinance (O-3890). Regulations for short term rentals are listed under Torrance Municipal Code Section 92.43.To ensure compliance with regulations, a series of fines are instituted.

For complaints concerning a short term rental, contact the Environmental Division at (310) 618-5929. Pursuant to Torrance Municipal Code Section 92.43.090, it is unlawful and declared a public nuisance to maintain, allow another person to operate or maintain, or fail to cease operation of a short term rental that is not in compliance with the regulations.

While the enforcement and friendliness of Torrance towards short term rentals are not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources, it is important to 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 the short term rental platform.

If you are interested in starting a short term rental business in Torrance, here are the steps to get started:

• Familiarize yourself with the Short Term Rental Ordinance (O-3861).
• Obtain a short term rental permit from Torrance City Hall.
• Acquire a business license from the Torrance Business License Division.
• Remit Uniform Occupancy Tax to the Torrance Revenue Division.

Does Torrance Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Torrance, California, has specific regulations for short-term rentals (STRs), including Airbnb and VRBO properties. These rules are outlined in the city's zoning code, planning code, and Torrance ordinances. Some key aspects of the regulations include:

• Short Term Rental Ordinance (O-3861): Adopted in 2019, this ordinance defines the types of short-term rentals permitted and establishes a registration and other requirements1.
• Permit Requirement: A short-term rental permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Torrance. Permit applications are accepted at the Torrance City Hall1.
• Business License: A business license is also required for short-term rental operators1.
• Uniform Occupancy Tax: Hosts in Torrance are required to remit Uniform Occupancy Tax for their short-term rentals12.
• Enforcement: The enforcement and friendliness of Torrance towards short-term rentals are not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources. However, the city maintains that the number of short-term rentals in the city fluctuates between 2 and 12 depending on the time of year1.
• Online Forums: Bigger Pockets and Reddit are popular platforms for discussing short-term rental regulations and experiences. However, specific responses from these forums were not found in the search results.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Torrance?

Starting a short term rental business in Torrance, California, involves several steps and requirements. Here's a straightforward guide to help you get started:

• Understand the regulations: Familiarize yourself with the Torrance Municipal Code Section 92.43, which outlines the regulations for short term rentals in the city3.
• Obtain a short term rental permit: A short term rental permit is required to operate a short term rental in Torrance. Permit applications are accepted at the Torrance City Hall3.
• Acquire a business license: A business license is required to operate a short term rental in Torrance. Contact the Torrance Business License Division at (310) 618-5828 for more information2.
• Remit Uniform Occupancy Tax: The short term rental operator is required to remit Uniform Occupancy Tax. For information on how to remit the tax, contact the Torrance Revenue Division at (310) 618-58303.
• Understand other requirements: Ensure compliance with other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo board or co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable2.
• File a complaint: If you have concerns about a short term rental, contact the Environmental Division at (310) 618-59293.

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

For questions on short term rental permits and zoning in Torrance, contact the Torrance Planning Division at (310) 618-59901.For business license questions, contact the Business License Division at (310) 618-58282.For tax questions, contact the Revenue Division at (310) 618-58301.

What Do Airbnb Hosts in Torrance on Reddit and BiggerPockets Think About Local Regulations?

California has short-term rental regulations that require hosts to obtain a business license, pay transient occupancy taxes, and follow certain safety and noise regulations134. Hosts are also required to have liability insurance and to notify neighbors of their short-term rental activity1.

Despite these regulations, Torrance is an attractive Airbnb destination due to its beautiful beaches, proximity to popular attractions like Disneyland and Universal Studios, and its diverse dining and shopping options1. The most sought-after amenities in Torrance include proximity to the beach, a pool or hot tub, outdoor space for entertaining, and a fully equipped kitchen1.It is important for hosts to comply with local regulations to avoid fines and ensure the safety and satisfaction of their guests.

A professional Airbnb management company can help with tasks such as guest communication, marketing, cleaning, and maintenance, and can ensure that hosts are in compliance with local regulations1.