Torrance, CA

When deciding whether to become an Airbnb host, it is important for you to understand the laws in your city. As a platform and marketplace we do not provide legal advice, but we want to give you some useful links that may help you better understand the laws and regulations in Torrance. This list is not exhaustive, but it should give you a good start in understanding your local laws.

Visit the City of Torrance Short Term Rental Program for more information about eligibility, the registration process, and other requirements.

Regulations

In 2019, the Torrance City Council adopted the Short Term Rental Ordinance (O-3861). The Ordinance defines what types of short term rentals are permitted and establishes a registration process. To ensure compliance with regulations, a series of fines are instituted.

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).

Short term rentals are defined as the rental of any residence, or portion thereof within a legally permitted residential structure which is occupied or intended or designed for occupancy, for a period of 30 consecutive calendar days or less.

Short term rentals are permitted in the vast majority of Torrance, including the Coastal Zone:

• In commercial zones, short term rentals are permitted in residences with or without a host living onsite.
• In residential zones, short term rentals are permitted in residences solely as a home share with a host living onsite.

Home sharing means an activity whereby a host provides lodging for guests in their residence while the host lives on site, as an incidental use of the residence, for the duration of each rental period. A host is defined as the property owner or person engaged in home sharing.

Advertisements that are displayed in any media, including telephone directories and hosting platforms, must display the short term rental permit number issued by the City of Torrance for identification purposes and verification of registration.

For more information on short term rental regulations, please review Torrance Municipal Code Section 92.43.

Permit registration

The City of Torrance requires permit registration to operate a short term rental. The permit registration fee is paid one-time and there is no renewal fee. Permit registration can be completed via email to CDDinfo@TorranceCA.gov or directly in-person at the Permit Center, open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and closed alternate Fridays. The Permit Center is located at Torrance City Hall, 3031 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503.

For questions regarding the permit application, please contact the Torrance Planning Division at (310) 618-5990.

Business license and Uniform Occupancy Tax

The City of Torrance requires a business license to operate a short term rental, and requires the short term rental operator remit Uniform Occupancy Tax. For more information, please contact the Torrance Business License Division at (310) 618-5828 and the Torrance Revenue Division at (310) 618-5830.

Other rules

It is also 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 tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable.

Our commitment to your community

We are committed to working with local officials to help them understand how Airbnb benefits our community. Where needed, we will continue to advocate for changes that will allow regular people to rent out their own homes.