Airbnb & VRBO Performance in Westwood California.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Unincorporated Areas of Los Angeles County, Including Westwood, California for 2024

General Regulations

• Registration Requirement: Hosts must register annually with the L.A. County Treasurer and Tax Collector (TTC) and pay a $914 fee.
• Primary Residence: STRs are limited to the host's primary residence where they live for more than 6 months per year.

Occupancy and Booking Limits

• Occupancy Cap: Maximum of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional people, up to a maximum of 12 people.
• Booking Limits: Unhosted stays are capped at 90 days per calendar year. Minimum booking of 1 night for unhosted stays and 2 nights for hosted stays.

Prohibited Uses

• Commercial Events and Parties: STRs cannot be used for commercial events or large parties.
• Prohibited Properties: No STRs in accessory dwelling units (ADUs), rent-restricted housing, and vacation rentals.

Host Residency Requirements

• Residency: Hosts must reside on the property for a minimum of 275 days per calendar year either in the primary residence or in an ADU or detached residential unit.

Platform Compliance

• Listing Requirements: STR platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo must only list properties registered with the county, or face $1,000 daily fines per illegal listing.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Host Fines: Hosts may be fined $2,000 per day or two times the nightly rate charged, whichever is higher, for violating the regulations.
• Platform Fines: Platforms may be fined $1,000 per day per illegal listing for failing to verify and display valid registration numbers.

Additional Considerations

• Tenant Approval: If the host is a renter, they must provide written authorization signed by the property owner and notarized to register their primary residence for STR.
• Subsidies and Exceptions: Subsidies may be provided to low-income hosts to offset the registration fee. Exceptions allow hosts to live in an ADU while renting their main home.

Coastal Areas and City Ordinances

• Coastal Areas: Regulations do not immediately apply to STRs in coastal areas like Malibu and Catalina Island, which fall under the jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission. Separate regulations for these areas could take 1-2 years to be approved.
• City Ordinances: Cities within L.A. County, like Los Angeles, have their own existing STR ordinances that will not be impacted by the county regulations.

Creating an Inviting Airbnb in Westwood, California: Design and Furnishing Tips

Entryway

• Ensure the entryway makes a strong first impression by providing a welcoming atmosphere.
• Offer amenities such as extra towels, a basket with travel-size essentials (e.g., toothpaste, shampoo), and a clear guide to the property.

Living Room

• Invest in lighting control with lamps and dimmer switches to create a versatile and cozy environment.
• Provide soft, clean blankets and pillows with different fill options (e.g., down, foam) for comfort.
• Include occasional tables and a pouf or ottoman for guests to place their drinks and rest their feet.
• Design the layout to facilitate conversation and various activities, such as reading or playing games.

Bedroom

• Offer high-quality bedding and extra layers stored in the closet for guest convenience.
• Provide two bedside tables with lamps, each featuring USB ports or wireless charging.
• Ensure temperature control with ceiling fans or air conditioning.
• Install blackout shades to cater to different sleep preferences.
• Include a luxurious mattress and comfortable pillows with various fill options.

Kitchen

• Equip the kitchen with all necessary appliances and utensils for home-cooked meals.
• Provide coffee makers, toasters, microwaves, and other essential kitchen items.
• Include complementary amenities like coffee, creams, sugars, and filters.

Outdoor Space

• Create a serene outdoor area with patio furniture, BBQ facilities, and decorative elements like water fountains.
• Ensure ample seating and a well-maintained garden or yard.

General Tips

• Accentuate Natural Light: Make the most of Westwood’s sunny climate by keeping windows uncluttered and using sheer curtains.
• Add Local Touches: Incorporate elements that reflect Westwood’s culture and location, such as local artwork or maps.
• Avoid Clutter: Keep the space tidy and clutter-free to maintain a sense of luxury and relaxation.
• Decorate with Mirrors: Use mirrors to make rooms appear larger and brighter.
• Incorporate Color: Add a splash of color through furniture, rugs, or wall art to reflect the vibrant style of Westwood.

Technology and Amenities

• Provide high-speed WiFi and smart TVs with streaming services.
• Offer additional amenities like hair dryers, irons, and tech-charging stations.
• Include local maps, brochures, and restaurant menus to help guests navigate the area.

Exploring Westwood, California: Local Attractions and Insider Tips

Local Attractions

Hammer Museum

• A must-visit, this museum is affiliated with UCLA and features a fantastic collection of modern and classic art, including works by Monet and Degas. Admission is free, and the museum also offers exciting exhibitions, films, and talks.

UCLA Botanical Garden (Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Gardens)

• A 7.5-acre shady retreat in the heart of the city, this garden is free to visit and offers a serene escape with thousands of plant species. Docent-led tours and garden maps are available for self-guided walks.

Historic Movie Theaters

• Visit the Regency Westwood Village (originally the Fox) and The Bruin, two classic theaters built in 1930 and 1937, respectively. These theaters continue to play features and host premieres. Even if you don't have time for a movie, the architecture is worth seeing.

Geffen Playhouse

• A not-for-profit theater dedicated to cultivating an appreciation for the arts, the Geffen Playhouse offers several plays each season on its two stages. It also engages in community education programs.

Getty Center

• Although just outside Westwood in Bel Air, the Getty Center is a nearby must-see. This Richard Meier-designed campus features stunning gardens and exhibitions. Admission is free, but parking fees apply. Arrive early to avoid crowds.

Murphy Sculpture Garden

• Located on UCLA’s campus, this garden features over 70 sculptures by artists including Auguste Rodin and Hans Arp. It's a great spot for a relaxing walk or study session.

Westwood Village Farmers’ Market

• Every Thursday, visit the Farmers’ Market on Broxton for local produce, handmade products, and delicious food stands like Elote and Afghan Bolani.

Insider Tips

Dining and Coffee

• Lulu: Enjoy lunch or a drink at this beautiful restaurant located at the Hammer Museum, operated by acclaimed chef David Tanis and conceived with legendary chef Alice Waters.
• Profeta: A quaint coffee shop with a simple menu of classics and fresh pastries. It's a great spot for coffee aficionados and those looking for a study environment.
• Diddy Riese: Famous for its cookies and ice cream sandwiches, this shop is a budget-friendly treat for college students and visitors alike.

Events and Activities

• UCLA Sports: Attend an event for one of UCLA’s 25 varsity sports, such as women’s beach volleyball, men’s basketball, men’s tennis, or women’s gymnastics.
• Walking Tour: Explore Westwood Village and its cultural attractions on a self-guided walking tour to discover its historic charm and modern amenities.

Hidden Gems

• Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park: A historic cemetery that is the final resting place of many Hollywood stars and notable figures.
• Tacos 1986 - Westwood Village: A popular spot for delicious Mexican food.

By sharing these local attractions and insider tips, you can help your Airbnb guests make the most of their visit to Westwood, California.

Practical Tips to Run a Successful Short Term Rental Business in Westwood, California

To run a successful short-term rental business in Westwood, California, several key practices must be implemented to ensure compliance with local regulations and to enhance the guest experience.

Noise Regulations and Quiet Hours

Inform your guests about noise regulations and quiet hours through a clear Code of Conduct. This is a requirement by the city of Los Angeles, and it helps maintain a peaceful environment for both guests and neighbors. Include these rules in your digital and physical house manual to ensure all guests are aware of the expectations.

Digital and Physical House Manual

Create a comprehensive house manual that includes essential instructions, Wi-Fi passwords, and other important details. This manual should be both digital, accessible through a shared link or app, and physical, placed in a convenient location within the property. This helps guests navigate the property easily and reduces the need for frequent inquiries.

Simplified Check-in Process

Utilize smart locks to streamline the check-in process. Smart locks eliminate the need for physical key exchanges, allowing guests to enter the property using a unique code or digital key. This not only enhances convenience but also improves security.

Parking Instructions with Photos

Provide detailed parking instructions, accompanied by photos, to help guests navigate parking facilities efficiently. Given the high demand for parking in densely populated areas like Westwood, clear instructions can prevent confusion and ensure a smooth arrival process.

By adhering to these tips, you can ensure your short-term rental business in Westwood, California, is both compliant with local regulations and highly appealing to guests, leading to positive reviews and repeat bookings.

Here is a brief list of house cleaning providers in Westwood, California:

House Cleaning Providers in Westwood, CA

Squeaky Cleaning

• Offers top-notch house cleaning, deep cleaning, and custom cleaning services.
• Uses eco-friendly products and has a team of experienced professionals.
• Provides same-day and emergency cleaning services.

Aloha Maids

• Refers a wide array of house cleaning services, including deep cleans and move-out cleaning.
• Services can be scheduled at short notice.

Maggy Maid

• Provides leading house cleaning services in Westwood, with flexible scheduling options.
• Offers various cleaning packages to suit different needs.

Maid This

• Offers top-ranked house cleaning services with fully vetted professionals.
• Includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee and online booking options.

These providers specialize in house cleaning services and do not offer repair or maintenance services.

Short-Term Rental Management Fees in Westwood, California

In Westwood, California, the fees for managing short-term rentals can vary significantly, typically ranging from 10% to 30% of the rental revenue, depending on the level of service provided. Full-service management, which includes comprehensive services such as guest communication, marketing, and maintenance, tends to be on the higher end of this spectrum, often around 20% to 30% of the rental income.

Basic service packages, which may only include essential management tasks, can be more affordable, falling towards the lower end of the range. Additionally, hosts may incur extra fees for services like cleaning, repairs, or design enhancements, which can further impact the overall cost of management. Understanding these fee structures is crucial for property owners to effectively manage their expenses and maximize their rental revenue.