Long Beach Cracks Down on Airbnb and Short-Term Rentals with Stricter Rules

by Rick Lee

Long Beach Cracks Down on Airbnb and Short-Term Rentals with Stricter Rules

Long Beach is tightening the reins on Airbnb, Vrbo, and other short-term rental platforms, introducing a wave of new restrictions aimed at curbing crime and reducing neighborhood disruptions. According to John Donegan of the Long Beach Business Journal, the Long Beach City Council unanimously approved the first reading of new regulations, signaling major changes for short-term rental owners, real estate investors, and homeowners who rely on these platforms for extra income.

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🔎 Why Is Long Beach Cracking Down on Short-Term Rentals?

The push for stricter enforcement comes after increasing complaints from residents and a notable shooting incident outside a short-term rental, which spurred the city into action. Many homeowners claim that unregulated Airbnbs bring crime, excessive noise, and parking issues, while others argue that the new rules unfairly punish responsible hosts.

🏡 Key Changes to Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Rules in Long Beach

Once the ordinance receives final approval, the new rules will significantly impact short-term rental operators:

✅ Mandatory Safety Inspections – Properties must pass inspections for unsafe conditions before being approved for short-term rental use.

🚫 Code Violations Mean No Rental Permit – Owners with outstanding code enforcement fees or violations will be barred from offering short-term rentals.

⚖️ Criminal or Civil Investigations = No Reauthorization – Homeowners with active or pending criminal or civil investigations, including code enforcement actions, won’t be allowed to continue renting their properties.

📆 Annual Inspections on Renewal – Property owners must undergo new inspections every year when renewing their city registration.

⛔ Three Strikes and You’re Out – If an owner accumulates three or more citations within 18 months, they will be disqualified from renewing their permit.

🚨 Violence at a Rental = Two Strikes – Any violent incident at a rental property now counts as two strikes against the owner’s license, leading to faster bans.

❌ Banned Property Types – Recreational vehicles (RVs), pool houses, casitas, and rumpus rooms can no longer be used as short-term rentals.

👥 Occupancy Limits Enforced – Rentals can host a maximum of two guests per bedroom or a total of eight guests, whichever is lower.

🎥 Filming and Events Require Special Permits – Hosting film shoots or private events at an Airbnb now requires extra city permits.

📞 City Can Suspend or Cancel Rentals Over Unaddressed Issues – If an owner fails to respond to an incident involving violence or disturbances, the city can suspend or cancel the rental permit entirely.

📉 What This Means for Airbnb Hosts and Real Estate Investors

The new restrictions could make it more difficult for Airbnb and short-term rental owners to operate in Long Beach, particularly those relying on unhosted rentals—homes where the owner isn’t present during a guest’s stay.

Since 2020, Long Beach has capped unhosted rentals at 700 properties, and with 695 already in operation, this new crackdown could push some investors out of the market. In addition, property managers overseeing multiple short-term rentals may struggle with compliance, as the ordinance primarily targets property ownership rather than property management firms.

According to Long Beach Code Enforcement official Scott Baldwin, only two licenses have been revoked since the initial short-term rental ordinance was enacted. However, city data shows 127 complaints were filed against Airbnb and Vrbo properties in 2024 alone, further fueling the push for stricter regulations.

🏘️ Local Reaction: Hosts vs. Residents

The debate over Airbnb regulations in Long Beach has created strong divisions among residents and short-term rental operators.

Many Airbnb hosts argue that short-term rentals provide valuable accommodations for visitors, boost local businesses, and allow homeowners to offset their mortgage payments. Longtime host Anthony Swager emphasized this point, stating:

“And when we get all these visitors who come in, we have a chalkboard with every single local business listed where all these folks go. The only request I have is that you not penalize all the hosts that are in compliance and abide by the regulations.”

On the other hand, concerned residents believe the city is not enforcing existing rules effectively and that short-term rentals contribute to late-night parties, noise disturbances, and rising rents. Some have even called for a full ban on Airbnbs in certain neighborhoods.

In response, Community Development Director Christopher Koontz explained that the city is focused on targeting bad operators, not banning all Airbnbs. He stated:

“We were tasked with, for the small number of bad operators, how do we hold them accountable?”

Despite the new regulations, some residents remain skeptical, saying property managers often exploit loopholes, allowing multiple short-term rentals to be run under different LLCs to avoid enforcement.

📍 How This Affects Short-Term Rental Availability in Long Beach

The impact of these rules will likely vary depending on which part of Long Beach you live in. Currently, more than 250 short-term rentals are concentrated in the 3rd City Council district, covering areas like Belmont Shore and Naples, while Downtown Long Beach and Alamitos Beach also have significant numbers.

Certain neighborhoods are already pushing for outright bans on Airbnbs. Some, like College Park, have successfully banned short-term rentals, while others, such as South of Conant, fell just short of the required votes.

Resident Andy Oliver, who led Long Beach’s first successful Airbnb ban, described the petition process as “grueling and inaccessible”, citing a $1,000 filing fee and the need for 50%+1 majority votes in a census tract.

⚖️ What’s Next for Airbnb Hosts in Long Beach?

With these new rules pending final approval, short-term rental operators in Long Beach must prepare for more inspections, stricter enforcement, and tougher penalties.

For Airbnb hosts and investors, staying compliant will be more important than ever. Failing to meet the new requirements could lead to lost permits, heavy fines, and even permanent bans from operating in the city.

So, is this crackdown necessary for community safety, or is it going too far? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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