Compton Registration Rules Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Compton does not operate a short-term rental registration or licensing program for residential properties. Unlike cities such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, or Santa Monica — which have created registration frameworks that allow property owners to legally operate short-term rentals under defined conditions — Compton has not adopted any such system. The zoning code (Title 10) simply does not list short-term rentals as a use available in residential zones, and no registration mechanism has been created to authorize exceptions.

This means there is no registration number for hosts to display, no annual renewal process, no platform accountability agreement requiring Airbnb or VRBO to verify registration status, and no fee structure for residential STR operators. Property owners who list residential units on short-term rental platforms are operating without legal authorization. Compton's Code Enforcement Division periodically monitors listing platforms for residential properties within city limits and issues notices of violation to property owners found advertising stays of fewer than 30 days.

The only registered transient lodging operations in Compton are commercially zoned hotels and motels that hold valid business licenses and maintain Transient Occupancy Tax accounts with the city. These establishments collect and remit TOT on behalf of guests. Residential property owners cannot access this TOT registration because the underlying short-term rental use is not permitted in residential zones. Residents with questions about Compton's position on short-term rentals should contact the Community Development Department at (310) 605-5532.