Is Airbnb legal in La Quinta?

Airbnb Regulations in La Quinta, CA

In La Quinta, California, the regulatory environment for short-term vacation rentals (STVRs) is relatively lenient but structured. Hosts who wish to rent out their properties on platforms like Airbnb must obtain an STVR permit and a business license, as outlined in Chapter 3.25 of the city's regulations. Notably, a permanent ban on issuing new STVR permits has been in place since May 20, 2021, except in designated exempt areas of the city.

Key Requirements for Hosts: - STVR Permit: Required for renting out properties for periods of 30 days or less. The permit has an associated cost ranging from $255 to $1,255 annually. - Business License: Needed, with fees based on the property's yearly gross rental income. - Posting Information: Hosts must display their STVR permit number and operational guidelines prominently within the rental unit. - Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): A 10% tax must be collected and remitted to the city each month, even in months without rental activity. - TBID Assessment Fee: A 1% fee applies to short-term stays of 27 days or less, payable alongside the monthly TOT.

This regulatory framework is intended to promote responsible hosting while also ensuring that the local tourism industry benefits from short-term rentals. Despite the regulations, La Quinta has a bustling Airbnb market with approximately 1,490 active listings, a median occupancy rate of 54%, and an average daily rental rate of $301.