Los Angeles vs Nashville
California Legal but Limited | Tennessee Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Los Angeles, California | Nashville, Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee | $313 permit fee |
| Tax Rate | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax | 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | 120 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses) | $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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)
Nashville, Tennessee
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $313 permit fee
Tax Rate 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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.
Full Los Angeles guide →Nashville Overview
Owner-occupied permits allowed in all zones. Non-owner-occupied permits frozen — no new applications accepted in most residential zones since 2015. Existing non-owner permits are non-transferable.
Full Nashville guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Los Angeles or Nashville?
Los Angeles is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Nashville is "Legal but Limited." Los Angeles's permit fee is $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee compared to $313 permit fee in Nashville.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Los Angeles or Nashville?
Los Angeles charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax, while Nashville charges 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Los Angeles: $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses). Nashville: $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations.