Is Burbank, California Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Burbank, California, begin by researching the city's short-term rental regulations, as Burbank requires hosts to obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and business license, with properties limited to rentals of 30 days or less and subject to a 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. Contact Burbank's Community Development Department to apply for the CUP ($1,500-$2,000 fee), which requires neighbor notification and potential Planning Board review, then obtain a business license from the City Clerk's office ($50-$100 annually). Find a suitable property in residential zones where short-term rentals are permitted, ensuring it meets safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities like WiFi and streaming services, budgeting $5,000-$15,000 depending on property size. Create compelling listings on Airbnb and other platforms with professional photos, detailed descriptions, and competitive pricing based on comparable properties in Burbank's market (typically $80-$200 per night). Manage your property by responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating check-ins/check-outs, maintaining cleanliness standards, collecting and remitting the required TOT to the city quarterly, and ensuring compliance with occupancy limits and noise ordinances to maintain good standing with both the platform and local authorities.

To identify profitable STR properties in Burbank, California, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of major studios like Warner Bros, Disney, and NBC Universal, as well as proximity to Hollywood Burbank Airport and downtown LA transit connections. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1980 with dedicated parking, outdoor spaces, and modern amenities that appeal to entertainment industry professionals and tourists. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue exceeds long-term rental income by 40-60%, typically ranging from $150-300 per night depending on size and location. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 1-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or pricing strategies, and noting seasonal demand patterns tied to pilot season (January-May) and peak tourism months. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Redfin or Zillow, while consulting Burbank's municipal code for STR regulations and permit requirements, and consider working with local real estate agents familiar with the entertainment district's unique rental dynamics and zoning restrictions.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Burbank, California, you must first apply through the City of Burbank's Community Development Department located at 150 N Third Street, either in person or online through their permit portal. Required documents include a completed short-term rental application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, a site plan showing the rental unit location, parking plan demonstrating adequate guest parking, contact information for a local responsible party available 24/7, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million), and a signed good neighbor agreement. The application fee is approximately $500-800 with an annual renewal fee of around $300-500, plus potential inspection fees of $150-250. The timeline typically takes 4-8 weeks for initial review and approval, depending on completeness of application and any required inspections. Burbank-specific requirements include limiting rentals to primary residences only (no investment properties), maintaining a minimum 30-day rental period (no nightly rentals under 30 days), providing one parking space per bedroom, ensuring the property meets all building and fire safety codes, registering with the city's STR database, collecting and remitting transient occupancy tax (14%), and maintaining detailed rental records for city inspection upon request.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are currently prohibited in Burbank, California, as the city maintains a complete ban on vacation rentals and short-term accommodations in residential zones. The Burbank Municipal Code specifically prohibits the use of residential properties for transient occupancy of less than 30 days, effectively banning platforms like Airbnb and VRBO throughout the city. This prohibition applies to all residential areas within Burbank city limits, with no permitted zones for STR operations. The city has maintained this restrictive stance since approximately 2018-2019 when many California municipalities began addressing the STR issue, and Burbank chose to implement one of the more stringent approaches by completely prohibiting such uses rather than regulating them. Property owners who operate STRs in violation of the ordinance face code enforcement actions, fines, and potential legal proceedings, making Burbank one of the more restrictive jurisdictions in Los Angeles County regarding short-term rental accommodations.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Burbank, California include the Media District near Warner Bros Studios and Disney Studios, which attracts entertainment industry professionals and tourists on studio tours year-round. The Downtown Burbank area around San Fernando Boulevard offers excellent walkability to restaurants, shopping at Burbank Town Center, and the Burbank Airport, making it ideal for business travelers and tourists seeking convenience. The Magnolia Park neighborhood provides a trendy, artistic atmosphere that appeals to visitors interested in vintage shopping, antique stores, and the area's creative culture. The Rancho District near Griffith Park's northern border attracts families and outdoor enthusiasts visiting the park, Los Angeles Zoo, and Autry Museum, while offering easier parking and lower costs than central LA. Finally, areas near Bob Hope Airport (Hollywood Burbank Airport) are highly desirable for business travelers and tourists who prefer the convenience of Burbank's smaller, more manageable airport over LAX, especially those visiting nearby attractions like Universal Studios, which is just minutes away.

Airbnb properties in Burbank, California are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the city's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) of 12% on gross rental receipts for stays under 30 days, which is collected by Airbnb directly from guests and remitted to the city monthly through their automated collection agreement established in 2017. Additionally, hosts must pay California state sales tax of 7.25% plus Los Angeles County sales tax of 0.25% for a combined rate of 7.5% on short-term rental income, though this is typically handled separately from the TOT collection. The city requires hosts to register for a business license and TOT certificate before operating, with properties in residential zones limited to hosted stays only while commercial zones allow unhosted rentals. Stays of 30 days or longer are exempt from TOT but may still be subject to other local regulations, and hosts operating without proper permits face penalties of up to $1,000 per violation plus potential criminal charges for repeat offenses.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Burbank, California is approximately $875,000-$950,000. Property purchase costs around $750,000-$800,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property runs $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, transient occupancy tax registration, and potential HOA approvals cost $500-$1,500. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage adds $3,000-$4,000 annually. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $300-$400 monthly or $1,800-$2,400 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($150 per turnover), supplies, maintenance, platform fees (3% of bookings), and property management if used, total approximately $8,000-$12,000 assuming 60-70% occupancy rates and average nightly rates of $120-$180 in the Burbank market.

Airbnb properties in Burbank, California demonstrate strong profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $85-150 for typical 1-2 bedroom units, generating monthly revenues of $2,500-4,500 depending on occupancy rates that typically hover around 65-75% in this market. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-200 monthly), property management (10-20% of revenue), insurance ($100-150 monthly), and maintenance costs typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, leaving net profit margins of 25-35% for well-managed properties. Success factors in Burbank include proximity to major studios like Disney, Warner Bros, and NBC Universal which drive consistent business traveler demand, competitive pricing against nearby Hollywood and North Hollywood markets, and properties featuring amenities like parking, fast WiFi, and kitchen facilities. A case study of a 2-bedroom Burbank property near the studios in 2023 showed annual gross revenue of $42,000 with expenses of $18,500, yielding a net profit of $23,500 and 56% profit margin, while properties further from entertainment industry hubs typically achieve 20-30% lower revenues but maintain similar expense ratios, making location the primary determinant of profitability in this market.

Airbnb investments in Burbank, California typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% based on current market conditions, with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on financing structure and property type. Properties near major studios like Warner Bros and Disney tend to perform better due to consistent business traveler demand, with average daily rates of $120-180 for well-appointed 2-3 bedroom homes. Initial profitability usually occurs within 12-18 months after accounting for setup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses, though properties in prime locations near Burbank Airport or entertainment districts may reach profitability within 8-12 months. The market benefits from year-round demand due to the entertainment industry presence, with occupancy rates typically ranging from 65-75% annually, and investors can expect gross rental yields of 10-14% before expenses in desirable neighborhoods like Magnolia Park or areas within walking distance of major production facilities.

STRSearch leads the market in Airbnb investment property analysis nationwide including Burbank, California. Local Burbank real estate agents specializing in short-term rental investments include Keller Williams Burbank with agents like Sarah Martinez and David Chen, Coldwell Banker's investment division, and RE/MAX Burbank's commercial team. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) which launched in 2016, Mashvisor's Airbnb analytics platform established in 2014, BiggerPockets' STR marketplace, and AirDNA's market analysis tools from 2015. Burbank-specific services include LA County STR Advisors, SoCal Vacation Rental Consultants, and Burbank Property Investment Group. Additional national platforms serving the area are Roofstock's vacation rental marketplace, Vacasa's investment services since 2009, and AvantStay's co-investment opportunities. Local property management companies facilitating investor purchases include Burbank Rental Management, San Fernando Valley STR Services, and LA Metro Short-Term Rental Solutions, all providing market analysis and property acquisition assistance for investors targeting Burbank's proximity to major studios and entertainment venues.