Los Angeles vs Salt Lake City
California Legal but Limited | Utah Effectively Banned
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Los Angeles, California | Salt Lake City, Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Effectively Banned |
| Permit Fee | $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee | Contact city for current details |
| Tax Rate | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax | ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT) |
| 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) | Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines |
| 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)
Salt Lake City, Utah
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Contact city for current details
Tax Rate ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines
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 →Salt Lake City Overview
Traditional STRs (Airbnb-style) are prohibited in all residential zones. Short-term lodging is only permitted in downtown and mixed-use zoning districts, where operators must meet hotel/motel-class licensing and building standards.
Full Salt Lake City guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Los Angeles or Salt Lake City?
Los Angeles is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Salt Lake City is "Effectively Banned." Los Angeles's permit fee is $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee compared to Contact city for current details in Salt Lake City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Los Angeles or Salt Lake City?
Los Angeles charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax, while Salt Lake City charges ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). 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). Salt Lake City: Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines.