Is Culver City, California Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Culver City, California, begin by researching the city's short-term rental regulations, which require hosts to obtain a business license and short-term rental permit from the City Clerk's office, comply with zoning restrictions that typically limit rentals to 30 days maximum per year in residential zones, and pay the 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. Next, secure a suitable property either through ownership or landlord permission, 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 while maintaining a cohesive design aesthetic. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photography, detailed descriptions, competitive pricing based on comparable properties in the $100-300 per night range typical for Culver City, and highlight proximity to Sony Pictures Studios, downtown LA, and beaches. For ongoing management, establish check-in procedures using keyless entry systems, maintain cleaning schedules between guests, respond promptly to inquiries and reviews, coordinate with local cleaning services, and ensure compliance with noise ordinances and parking restrictions that are strictly enforced in Culver City's residential neighborhoods.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Culver City, California, focus on locations within walking distance of Sony Pictures Studios, Amazon Studios, and Apple's new campus, as well as properties near the Expo Line stations for easy LAX and downtown LA access. Target 2-3 bedroom condos or single-family homes built after 1980 with modern amenities, parking spaces, and outdoor areas, as these command premium rates of $150-300 per night compared to the market average of $120-180. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties generating 15-20% annual returns, with occupancy rates above 70% being ideal in this market. Research competition by studying listings within a 0.5-mile radius, noting that properties near Culver City Arts District and downtown area typically outperform those further from entertainment industry hubs. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local Facebook groups like "Culver City Real Estate Investors" while monitoring the city's STR regulations which require permits and limit rentals to under 30 days, and consider that properties under $800,000 with strong rental potential often provide the best cash-on-cash returns given the area's $1.2 million median home price as of 2024.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Culver City, California, you must first apply through the City of Culver City's Planning Division by submitting a Short-Term Rental Permit application available on their website or at City Hall located at 9770 Culver Boulevard. Required documents include a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, a floor plan of the rental unit, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million), contact information for a local responsible party available 24/7, and a good neighbor agreement. The application fee is approximately $500-800 with annual renewal fees of around $200-400. Culver City requires that short-term rentals be owner-occupied (hosted rentals only), limits rentals to a maximum of 120 nights per year, mandates registration with the city's tax collector for transient occupancy tax collection, requires compliance with all building and fire safety codes, and prohibits rentals in multi-family buildings with more than four units. The approval timeline typically takes 6-12 weeks from submission of a complete application, during which the city conducts inspections and neighbor notifications. Once approved, operators must display their permit number in all advertising, maintain guest registries, collect and remit transient occupancy taxes, and renew their permit annually while ensuring compliance with noise ordinances and parking requirements specific to Culver City's residential zones.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are currently prohibited in Culver City, California. The city implemented a complete ban on STRs in 2019 following concerns about housing availability and neighborhood impacts. Culver City Municipal Code specifically prohibits the use of residential properties for transient occupancy of less than 30 days, making platforms like Airbnb and VRBO illegal throughout the entire city. There are no permitted areas or exceptions for STRs within city limits, and the ban applies to all residential zones including single-family homes, condominiums, and apartments. The city actively enforces this prohibition through code enforcement and can impose significant fines on property owners who violate the ordinance. Unlike some neighboring cities that have implemented regulations rather than outright bans, Culver City has maintained its strict stance against short-term rentals, citing the need to preserve long-term housing stock in a region facing a housing crisis.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Culver City include the Arts District near the Culver City Arts Center and Platform shopping complex, which attracts tourists and business travelers due to its proximity to Sony Pictures Studios, Amazon Studios, and Apple's new campus, generating consistent demand from entertainment industry professionals. The Downtown Culver City area around Culver Boulevard offers excellent walkability to restaurants, bars, and the Metro Expo Line, making it attractive for both leisure travelers exploring LA and business visitors needing transit access. The neighborhoods near Culver Studios and the Hayden Tract are prime for corporate housing demand given the concentration of tech and media companies like HBO, TikTok, and numerous startups that relocated there between 2018-2023. The residential areas between Venice Boulevard and Washington Boulevard provide a quieter setting while maintaining close proximity to major employers and entertainment venues, appealing to longer-stay guests and families visiting the area. Properties near the Culver City Park and Kirk Douglas Theatre benefit from cultural events and community activities, while those close to the Westfield Culver City mall attract shopping-focused visitors and provide easy access to dining and entertainment options.

Airbnb properties in Culver City, California are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the city's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) of 14% on gross rental receipts for stays under 30 days, which is collected by Airbnb directly from guests and remitted to the city monthly. Additionally, properties are subject to Los Angeles County's transient occupancy tax of 12%, also collected by Airbnb and remitted automatically. The state of California does not impose a separate lodging tax, but standard sales tax of approximately 9.5% may apply to certain ancillary services. Hosts must register with the city and obtain a business license, with properties staying compliant through Airbnb's automated collection system that handles both city and county taxes. Exemptions typically apply to stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient occupancy, and certain government or charitable organization bookings may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation. The combined effective tax rate for short-term rentals is approximately 26% when including both city and county TOT, making Culver City one of the higher-taxed jurisdictions for short-term rentals in the Los Angeles area.

Starting an Airbnb in Culver City, California requires significant upfront investment with property purchase being the largest expense at approximately $1,200,000 for a median-priced 2-bedroom home or $650,000 for a 1-bedroom condo based on 2024 market conditions. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-25,000 for a complete setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup expenses include professional photography ($300-500), listing optimization, welcome materials, and basic supplies totaling around $2,000. Permits and fees in Culver City include short-term rental registration ($200 annually), business license ($100), and potential HOA approval fees ($500-1,000). Insurance costs approximately $2,000-3,000 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Monthly utilities average $200-300 including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable. First six months operating costs encompass Airbnb service fees (3% host fee), cleaning services ($100-150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200-400 monthly), marketing expenses, and property management if outsourced (20-30% of revenue), totaling approximately $8,000-12,000. The complete startup investment ranges from $675,000-1,250,000 depending on property type and financing arrangements.

Airbnb properties in Culver City, California demonstrate strong profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $120-180 for one-bedroom units and $200-300 for larger properties, generating monthly revenues of $3,600-5,400 for smaller units when achieving 70-80% occupancy rates typical for the area. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-80 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($150-200 monthly), insurance ($100-150 monthly), and maintenance costs, resulting in net profit margins of 25-35% for well-managed properties. Success factors include proximity to Sony Pictures Studios, Amazon Studios, and Apple's Culver City campus, which drive consistent corporate travel demand, plus the area's walkable downtown and easy access to LAX airport. A case study of a two-bedroom property near downtown Culver City showed annual gross revenue of $48,000 with operating expenses of $22,000, yielding a 54% profit margin, while properties within walking distance of the Metro Expo Line command premium rates due to connectivity to Santa Monica and downtown Los Angeles, with some hosts reporting annual returns of 8-12% on their initial property investment.

Airbnb investments in Culver City, California typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties in desirable neighborhoods near Sony Pictures Studios and downtown areas can achieve occupancy rates of 70-85% with average daily rates of $150-250 depending on property size and amenities. Initial profitability usually occurs within 12-18 months after accounting for startup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses. The proximity to LAX airport, major entertainment studios like Amazon Studios and HBO, and the revitalized downtown district drives consistent demand from business travelers and tourists. Investment properties typically require $80,000-150,000 down payment for condos and $200,000-400,000 for single-family homes, with gross rental yields averaging 5-8% annually before expenses, making the market moderately attractive compared to traditional long-term rentals which yield 4-6% in the same area.

STRSearch leads the market in Airbnb investment property analysis nationwide including Culver City, California. Local real estate agents specializing in short-term rental investments include The Agency's luxury division, Compass agents focusing on investment properties, and Keller Williams commercial specialists who have been active in the Culver City market since 2018. RedAwning provides national Airbnb property sourcing services, while AirDNA offers market analysis tools for the Los Angeles metro area. Local services include Culver City Property Management Group, which expanded into STR consulting in 2020, and West LA Investment Realty, established in 2019 specifically for vacation rental properties. National platforms like Mashvisor and BiggerPockets connect investors with Culver City opportunities, while companies such as AvantStay and RedAwning have been acquiring and managing properties in the area since 2019. Local mortgage brokers like Pacific Coast Capital and STR-focused lenders including DSCR Loan Pros help finance these investments, with many reporting 15-25% returns on well-positioned Culver City properties near Sony Pictures Studios and downtown LA.