Los Angeles vs Maui County

California Legal but Limited | Hawaii Effectively Banned

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Los Angeles, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 120 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses)
Maui County, Hawaii
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount
Tax Rate ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter

Los Angeles has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Los Angeles charges $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee for STR licensing, while Maui County charges Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount. Los Angeles renewal is annual, and Maui County renewal is annual. Overall, Los Angeles has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal but Limited) compared to Maui County (Effectively Banned).

Tax Obligations

In Los Angeles, hosts pay 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. In Maui County, hosts pay ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET). A key difference: platforms like Airbnb automatically collect taxes in Los Angeles, but hosts in Maui County must collect and remit taxes themselves — a significant operational burden.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Los Angeles imposes a 120-night annual limit, while Maui County has no annual cap — a significant advantage for high-volume hosts.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Los Angeles face penalties including $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses). In Maui County, violations can result in $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Los Angeles Overview

Home-Sharing Ordinance limits STRs to primary residences with a 120-day annual cap (extendable with Enhanced Plan). Registration required. RSO (rent-stabilized) units generally prohibited.

Contact: LA City Planning — (213) 482-7077

Full Los Angeles guide →

Maui County Overview

Ordinance 5909 (signed Dec 2025) phases out all apartment-zoned vacation rentals — STR use must cease by Jan 1, 2029 in West Maui and Jan 1, 2031 elsewhere. Existing STRH and B&B permits remain but are capped. Legal challenges are pending.

Contact: Planning Dept., Current Planning Division — (808) 270-8205

Full Maui County guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Los Angeles or Maui County?
Los Angeles is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Maui County is "Effectively Banned." Los Angeles's permit fee is $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee compared to Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount in Maui County. Overall, Los Angeles has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Los Angeles or Maui County?
Los Angeles charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax, while Maui County charges ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET). Notably, Los Angeles benefits from automatic platform tax collection, while hosts in Maui County must handle taxes themselves.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Los Angeles: $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses). Maui County: $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Los Angeles and Maui County have day limits for Airbnb?
Los Angeles limits STRs to 120 nights per year. Maui County has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Los Angeles or Maui County?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Los Angeles charges $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee for permits with 14% Transient Occupancy Tax in taxes. Maui County charges Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount with ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET). Automatic tax collection in Los Angeles makes compliance easier for beginners.