Los Angeles vs New York City
California Legal but Limited | New York Effectively Banned
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Los Angeles, California | New York City, New York |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Effectively Banned |
| Permit Fee | $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee | $145 registration fee (OSE) |
| Tax Rate | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax | 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | 120 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses) | $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations |
| Verdict | Los Angeles has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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)
New York City, New York
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee $145 registration fee (OSE)
Tax Rate 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations
Los Angeles has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →New York City Overview
Local Law 18 (2023) requires hosts to register with OSE, be present during stays, and limits guests to 2. Entire-apartment rentals under 30 days are effectively banned. Only hosted stays with the owner present are permitted.
Full New York City guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Los Angeles or New York City?
Los Angeles is classified as "Legal but Limited" while New York City is "Effectively Banned." Los Angeles's permit fee is $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee compared to $145 registration fee (OSE) in New York City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Los Angeles or New York City?
Los Angeles charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax, while New York City charges 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city 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). New York City: $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations.