The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis aimed at improving enforcement of the County’s Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance following ongoing community concerns and a recent death linked to an alleged short-term rental property in Hacienda Heights.
The County adopted the STR Ordinance on October 8, 2024, to regulate short-term rentals in unincorporated areas. The ordinance was designed to strike a balance between the economic benefits for property owners generated by short-term rentals and the need to protect housing availability, preserve neighborhood character, and maintain quality of life for residents.
Short-term rentals, which allow homeowners to rent properties for brief stays often through online platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo, have become increasingly popular across Los Angeles County. While these rentals provide economic opportunities for property owners and convenience for travelers, their rapid growth has also raised significant concerns among residents. Issues such as housing affordability, parking shortages, noise disturbances, and public safety have affected some neighborhoods, prompting the County to enact a comprehensive ordinance. The new ordinance requires registration, enforces zoning restrictions, and imposes penalties on unregistered or non-compliant operators.
These community concerns came into focus following the May 20, 2025, death of Tyler Gardner inside an unincorporated Hacienda Heights property known locally as a short-term rental, although it was not listed on major rental platforms. Since 2023, residents had reported disruptive guests, parking problems, and “motel-like” conditions at the property. Despite these complaints, enforcement efforts faced challenges due to a lack of clear evidence and the property’s unregistered status under the ordinance.
“While initial inspections found no active short-term rental listings at the property, a troubling pattern of unregistered activity persisted, causing nuisance and safety concerns for neighbors,” said Chair Pro Tem Solis. “With large-scale events like the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games expected to increase demand for short-term rentals, it is critical that we close enforcement gaps to prevent future tragedies.”
The motion directs the Treasurer and Tax Collector’s Office, in collaboration with the Sheriff’s Department, Department of Regional Planning, Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, and County Counsel, to provide a report to the Board within 90 days. The report will review how the ordinance is being implemented, identify enforcement challenges and gaps, recommend strategies to improve enforcement and resource allocation, describe interdepartmental coordination, establish processes for escalating resident complaints, and develop methods for identifying unadvertised short-term rentals.