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.

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.

Permits & Licensing

Los Angeles charges $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee for STR licensing, while Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details. Los Angeles renewal is annual, and Salt Lake City renewal is annual. Overall, Los Angeles has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal but Limited) compared to Salt Lake City (Effectively Banned).

Tax Obligations

In Los Angeles, hosts pay 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. In Salt Lake City, hosts pay ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Los Angeles imposes a 120-night annual limit, while Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City, violations can result in Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. 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 →

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.

Contact: Salt Lake City Planning Division — (801) 535-7700

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. Overall, Los Angeles has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
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).
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Los Angeles and Salt Lake City have day limits for Airbnb?
Los Angeles limits STRs to 120 nights per year. Salt Lake City has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Los Angeles or Salt Lake City?
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. Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details with ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). Automatic tax collection in Los Angeles and Salt Lake City makes compliance easier for beginners.