Los Angeles vs Scottsdale
California Legal but Limited | Arizona Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Los Angeles, California | Scottsdale, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee | $250/year |
| Tax Rate | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax | ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city) |
| 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) | $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months |
| Verdict | Scottsdale 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)
Scottsdale, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year
Tax Rate ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months
Scottsdale 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 →Scottsdale Overview
Ordinance 4566 caps occupancy at 6 adults plus dependent children, requires 1 off-street parking space per bedroom, $500K liability insurance, and neighbor notification within 30 days. Special events and commercial uses prohibited.
Full Scottsdale guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Los Angeles or Scottsdale?
Los Angeles is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Scottsdale is "Legal with Permit." Los Angeles's permit fee is $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee compared to $250/year in Scottsdale.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Los Angeles or Scottsdale?
Los Angeles charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax, while Scottsdale charges ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city). 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). Scottsdale: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months.