Santa Monica Fines Unlicensed Home Rentals

Melissa Tarsky, a stay-at-home mom, received a fine of $650 for renting out rooms in her home without obtaining a Santa Monica business license. Although in the past, the city had turned a blind eye to private vacation rentals, numerous complaints by neighbors have prompted city officials to increase their attention in prosecuting unlicensed home rentals.

According to Santa Monica Daily Press, Tarsky and others like her are violating three points, “Operating without a proper business license, running a hotel use in a residential zone and not collecting the 14 percent tax placed on hotel rooms.”

Violators of the rental ordinance are first warned by city officials to close down their ‘private hotel,’ with a threat of a $650 fine in place for those who ignore the notice. Anyone caught renting out their home after receiving the warning could be prosecuted by the City Attorney.

Tarsky is planning on fighting city regulations in order to legalize her vacation rental.

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