Generally not if under 30 days. Stays of 30 days or more start to create tenancy rights. Stays of 30+ consecutive days in California can trigger landlord-tenant protections — the guest can no longer be removed as a hotel guest and may require a UD.

What local permits apply?

Most California cities now require STR permits — Los Angeles HSR (Home Sharing Ordinance), San Diego STRO, San Francisco STR registration, Santa Monica HSO, etc. Coastal areas often add Coastal Commission rules. Operating without a permit is enforced aggressively.

Transient Occupancy Tax — local tax on stays under 30 days. Rate varies by city. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit in most California jurisdictions. Direct bookings require the host to collect and remit.

What about converting LTR to STR?

Converting an occupied unit from LTR to STR triggers AB 1482 just-cause / local just-cause withdrawal. Withdrawal-from-market basis often requires relocation. Some Ellis Act considerations apply for fully removing a building from the rental market. Don't try to evict an LTR tenant to convert to STR via pretextual fault notice.

What about converting STR to LTR?

Straightforward. Sign an LTR lease. The 30-day-plus stay creates tenancy. STR permit expires or stops being used. Some cities have permit-renewal rules — confirm if you might want to reconvert later.

STR permit · TOT · 30-day threshold

Short-term rentals in California. Permits, TOT, and the 30-day line.

STR permits required in most cities. Stays of 30+ days start to create tenancy. Converting LTR to STR triggers just-cause withdrawal rules.

TL;DR

Under 30 days = hotel-like guest. 30+ days = creeps toward tenancy. Local STR permit usually required. TOT collected and remitted (Airbnb/VRBO do this; direct bookings the host does). LTR-to-STR conversion triggers withdrawal just-cause + relocation.

Transient vs Tenant
Houseguest vs Tenant

Common questions — STR

Tenancy threshold?

30 consecutive days.

Local permits?

Most CA cities require STR permits.

TOT?

Local tax under 30 days; platforms remit.

LTR to STR?

Just-cause withdrawal + relocation.

STR to LTR?

Straightforward; sign lease.