How to Apply for a Home-Share Business License
Anyone who wishes to participate in the Home-Sharing Program must first apply and be approved for a Home-Share permit and a Business License. Home-Sharing is defined as “renting for a period of thirty consecutive days or less, one or more bedrooms in a dwelling unit that is the primary residence of the host, while the host lives on site, in the dwelling unit, throughout the visitors’ stay.”
A business license is required for all home occupations. All business licenses and Home-Share permits are valid through June 30th and must be renewed on July 1st of each year.
Continue the Process:
Online
-
Review the Applicable Laws and Regulations
+ -Review and familiarize yourself with Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 6.20 Home-Sharing and Vacation Rentals, Home-Sharing Ordinance Rules and Regulations, and the Santa Monica Municipal Code Article 6 Business, Profession.
-
Determine Your Business Name
+ -If you will be using a name other than your given name or the name of your LLC or corporation, you must file a Fictitious Business Name with the Los Angeles County Clerk. Click LA County Business Filing and Registration website for more information.
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Gather Your Documents and Apply for your Santa Monica Business License and Home-Share Permit
+ -Complete the Business License Application Packet for Home-Sharing.
A completed application will require the following additional documentation:
1. Proof of Residency - Two of the following documents that list the proposed host(s) full name and the address of the home-share are required:
- California Vehicle Registration
- California Driver’s License or State ID
- CA Voter’s Registration
- Income Tax Return
- Current Property Tax Bill
- Original Utility Bill (cable, cell phone or internet don’t qualify)
2. Proof of Ownership or Long-Term Resident Status
- Proof of Ownership - If the proposed host is the owner of the proposed home-share, proof of ownership in the form of a grant deed, current property tax bill, or other equivalent documentation. Documents that indicate the proposed home share dwelling unit is held in a trust, corporation, or limited liability corporation are not acceptable. You will provide documentation to prove residency for the prior 12 months.
- Proof of Primary Residency for the prior 12 months - The proposed host must submit two of the documents described in step 1 above. The documentation must list the proposed host's full name and the address of the home-share and contain a date that shows the proposed host has resided in the proposed home-share for at least 12 months prior to the submission of the application.
3. Proof That Proposed Host Will Reside in Proposed Home-Share for the Next 12 Months – Proof that the proposed host will reside in the proposed home-share for at least the 12-month period after the submission of the application can be established by any of the following:
- A written rental housing agreement, if the proposed host is a tenant, subtenant, or sublessee;
- Other written documentation, if the proposed host is not a tenant, subtenant, or sublessee;
- A declaration submitted on the City-provided form
4. Proof of Insurance – If the proposed host intends to post listings through a hosting platform, other platform, or other media outlet that does not provide insurance, the host must include proof of liability insurance to cover home-sharing with minimum limits of not less than $500,000. Airbnb and HomeAway/VRBO are the only hosting platforms that currently provide this insurance. If listing on Airbnb or HomeAway/VRBO only, proof of insurance is not required.
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Submit Your Completed Application
+ -Gather your documents, and complete the online submission using the system HERE. Be sure to include the Home-Share Supplemental form and additional documentation and upload it with your online application submission.
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Submit Your Payment
+ -Once the application is processed by the Business License unit, you will receive an email with instructions on how to pay the applicable taxes and fees.
When the Business License unit deems the application is complete and payment is received, the application will be routed to the appropriate City departments for review. If the appropriate approvals are received, a business license certificate will be issued. If your submission is not compliant with local, county or state regulations, then your business license will be denied.
-
Review the Applicable Laws and Regulations
+ -Review and familiarize yourself with Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 6.20 Home-Sharing and Vacation Rentals, Home-Sharing Ordinance Rules and Regulations, and the Santa Monica Municipal Code Article 6 Business, Profession.
-
Determine Your Business Name
+ -If you will be using a name other than your given name or the name of your LLC or corporation, you must file a Fictitious Business Name with the Los Angeles County Clerk. Click LA County Business Filing and Registration website for more information.
-
Gather Your Documents and Apply for your Santa Monica Business License and Home-Share Permit
+ -Complete the Business License Application Packet for Home-Sharing.
A completed application will require the following additional documentation:
1. Proof of Residency - Two of the following documents that list the proposed host(s) full name and the address of the home-share are required:
- California Vehicle Registration
- California Driver’s License or State ID
- CA Voter’s Registration
- Income Tax Return
- Current Property Tax Bill
- Original Utility Bill (cable, cell phone or internet don’t qualify)
2. Proof of Ownership or Long Term Resident Status
- Proof of Ownership - If the proposed host is the owner of the proposed home-share, proof of ownership in the form of a grant deed, current property tax bill, or other equivalent documentation. Documents that indicate the proposed home share dwelling unit is held in a trust, corporation, or limited liability corporation are not acceptable. You will provide documentation to prove residency for the prior 12 months.
- Proof of Primary Residency for the prior 12 months - The proposed host must submit two of the documents described in step 1 above. The documentation must list the proposed host's full name and the address of the home-share and contain a date that shows the proposed host has resided in the proposed home-share for at least 12 months prior to the submission of the application.
3. Proof That Proposed Host Will Reside in Proposed Home-Share for the Next 12 Months – Proof that the proposed host will reside in the proposed home-share for at least the 12-month period after the submission of the application can be established by any of the following:
- A written rental housing agreement, if the proposed host is a tenant, subtenant, or sublessee;
- Other written documentation, if the proposed host is not a tenant, subtenant, or sublessee;
- A declaration submitted on the City-provided form
4. Proof of Insurance – If the proposed host intends to post listings through a hosting platform, other platform, or other media outlet that does not provide insurance, the host must include proof of liability insurance to cover home-sharing with minimum limits of not less than $500,000. Airbnb and HomeAway/VRBO are the only hosting platforms that currently provide this insurance. If listing on Airbnb or HomeAway/VRBO only, proof of insurance is not required.
-
Submit Your Completed Application
+ -Email the Completed Application and Supplemental Documentation to:
-
Submit Your Payment
+ -Once the application is processed by the Business License unit, you will receive an email with instructions on how to pay the applicable taxes and fees.
When the Business License unit deems the application is complete and payment is received, the application will be routed to the appropriate City departments for review. If the appropriate approvals are received, a business license certificate will be issued. If your submission is not compliant with local, county or state regulations, then your business license will be denied.
-
Review the Applicable Laws and Regulations
+ -Review and familiarize yourself with Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 6.20 Home-Sharing and Vacation Rentals, Home-Sharing Ordinance Rules and Regulations, and the Santa Monica Municipal Code Article 6 Business, Profession.
-
Determine Your Business Name
+ -If you will be using a name other than your given name or the name of your LLC or corporation, you must file a Fictitious Business Name with the Los Angeles County Clerk. Click LA County Business Filing and Registration website for more information.
-
Gather Your Documents and Apply for your Santa Monica Business License and Home-Share Permit
+ -Complete the Business License Application Packet for Home-Sharing.
A completed application will require the following additional documentation:
1. Proof of Residency - Two of the following documents that list the proposed host(s) full name and the address of the home-share are required:
- California Vehicle Registration
- California Driver’s License or State ID
- CA Voter’s Registration
- Income Tax Return
- Current Property Tax Bill
- Original Utility Bill (cable, cell phone or internet don’t qualify)
2. Proof of Ownership or Long Term Resident Status
- Proof of Ownership - If the proposed host is the owner of the proposed home-share, proof of ownership in the form of a grant deed, current property tax bill, or other equivalent documentation. Documents that indicate the proposed home share dwelling unit is held in a trust, corporation, or limited liability corporation are not acceptable. You will provide documentation to prove residency for the prior 12 months.
- Proof of Primary Residency for the prior 12 months - The proposed host must submit two of the documents described in step 1 above. The documentation must list the proposed host's full name and the address of the home-share and contain a date that shows the proposed host has resided in the proposed home-share for at least 12 months prior to the submission of the application.
3. Proof That Proposed Host Will Reside in Proposed Home-Share for the Next 12 Months – Proof that the proposed host will reside in the proposed home-share for at least the 12-month period after the submission of the application can be established by any of the following:
- A written rental housing agreement, if the proposed host is a tenant, subtenant, or sublessee;
- Other written documentation, if the proposed host is not a tenant, subtenant, or sublessee;
- A declaration submitted on the City-provided form
4. Proof of Insurance – If the proposed host intends to post listings through a hosting platform, other platform, or other media outlet that does not provide insurance, the host must include proof of liability insurance to cover home-sharing with minimum limits of not less than $500,000. Airbnb and HomeAway/VRBO are the only hosting platforms that currently provide this insurance. If listing on Airbnb or HomeAway/VRBO only, proof of insurance is not required.
-
Submit Your Completed Application
+ -Mail the Completed Application and Supplemental Documentation to:
City of Santa Monica
Business License Unit
P.O. Box 2200
Santa Monica, CA 90407-2200
-
Submit Your Payment
+ -Once the application is processed by the Business License unit, you will receive an email with instructions on how to pay the applicable taxes and fees.
When the Business License unit deems the application is complete and payment is received, the application will be routed to the appropriate City departments for review. If the appropriate approvals are received, a business license certificate will be issued. If your submission is not compliant with local, county or state regulations, then your business license will be denied.
In-Person
-
Review the Applicable Laws and Regulations
+ -Review and familiarize yourself with Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 6.20 Home-Sharing and Vacation Rentals, Home-Sharing Ordinance Rules and Regulations, and the Santa Monica Municipal Code Article 6 Business, Profession.
-
Determine Your Business Name
+ -If you will be using a name other than your given name or the name of your LLC or corporation, you must file a Fictitious Business Name with the Los Angeles County Clerk. Click LA County Business Filing and Registration website for more information.
-
Gather Your Documents and Apply for your Santa Monica Business License and Home-Share Permit
+ -Complete the Business License Application Packet for Home-Sharing.
A completed application will require the following additional documentation:
1. Proof of Residency - Two of the following documents that list the proposed host(s) full name and the address of the home-share are required:
- California Vehicle Registration
- California Driver’s License or State ID
- CA Voter’s Registration
- Income Tax Return
- Current Property Tax Bill
- Original Utility Bill (cable, cell phone or internet don’t qualify)
2. Proof of Ownership or Long Term Resident Status
- Proof of Ownership - If the proposed host is the owner of the proposed home-share, proof of ownership in the form of a grant deed, current property tax bill, or other equivalent documentation. Documents that indicate the proposed home share dwelling unit is held in a trust, corporation, or limited liability corporation are not acceptable. You will provide documentation to prove residency for the prior 12 months.
- Proof of Primary Residency for the prior 12 months - The proposed host must submit two of the documents described in step 1 above. The documentation must list the proposed host's full name and the address of the home-share and contain a date that shows the proposed host has resided in the proposed home-share for at least 12 months prior to the submission of the application.
3. Proof That Proposed Host Will Reside in Proposed Home-Share for the Next 12 Months – Proof that the proposed host will reside in the proposed home-share for at least the 12-month period after the submission of the application can be established by any of the following:
- A written rental housing agreement, if the proposed host is a tenant, subtenant, or sublessee;
- Other written documentation, if the proposed host is not a tenant, subtenant, or sublessee;
- A declaration submitted on the City-provided form
4. Proof of Insurance – If the proposed host intends to post listings through a hosting platform, other platform, or other media outlet that does not provide insurance, the host must include proof of liability insurance to cover home-sharing with minimum limits of not less than $500,000. Airbnb and HomeAway/VRBO are the only hosting platforms that currently provide this insurance. If listing on Airbnb or HomeAway/VRBO only, proof of insurance is not required.
-
Submit Your Completed Application
+ -Applications can be accepted in person by appointment only. Click HERE to make an appointment. Bring your completed application and supplemental documentation to the Business License office located at:
City of Santa Monica
City Hall East
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
-
Submit Your Payment
+ -Once the application is processed by the Business License unit, you will receive an email with instructions on how to pay the applicable taxes and fees.
When the Business License unit deems the application is complete and payment is received, the application will be routed to the appropriate City departments for review. If the appropriate approvals are received, a business license certificate will be issued. If your submission is not compliant with local, county or state regulations, then your business license will be denied.