Los Angeles Plans to Approve Short-Term Home Rentals for the 2028 Olympics
Los Angeles Considers Short-Term Rental Expansion Ahead of 2028 Olympics
A proposal to expand short-term rentals in Los Angeles has sparked concerns about its potential impact on affordable housing. If enacted, the initiative would allow homeowners to rent their second properties temporarily, specifically during the upcoming LA Olympics, and would expire at the end of 2028.
On Tuesday, a coalition of Angelenos, including faith leaders, gathered outside LA City Hall to voice their opposition to the plan. "We’re very concerned with the number of rental properties that would take off the market for people who live in the city," expressed Rev. Jennifer Gutierrez.
The current ordinance, established in 2018, permits homeowners to rent out their primary residences for short-term stays, limited to 120 days annually. Listings must also display a registration number. According to the LA City Department of Planning, there are currently 4,399 active home-sharing registrations throughout the city.
One resident from Hollywood questioned the enforcement of this ordinance, citing public safety issues associated with large gatherings at rental properties. "There have been shootings at these parties. Not frequently, but it’s a real problem," said Ellen Evans, who is running for state senator in her district. For years, local media has reported on issues related to short-term rentals, including blocked streets and instances of violence linked to large parties.
In defense of the proposed expansion, Mayor Karen Bass emphasized that the measure is a temporary solution intended to accommodate the influx of tourists during the Olympics. "It expires in December 2028. Otherwise, I would be concerned about the housing supply. I’m not concerned about that for a temporary measure," she stated. The mayor also noted that the city plans to require short-term rental companies to pay fees upfront to generate additional revenue.
Airbnb, one of the leading rental platforms, expressed its commitment to Los Angeles. "That’s why we have offered to provide tax revenue we already collect on behalf of hosts up front to help fund essential city programs millions of Angelenos rely on," said Justin Wesson, Airbnb Senior Public Policy Manager for California.
The LA City Council’s Planning and Land Use Committee has decided to postpone the discussion on the proposal, considering a possibility that all rental companies may need to share their data with the city.
