Huntington Beach, California—known as Surf City USA—is a coastal gem that attracts sun-seekers, surfers, and dreamers year-round. With its laid-back vibe, endless beaches, and vibrant community, it’s no surprise that the city’s rental market is a hot topic for property owners and investors. Whether it’s a cozy beachfront bungalow or a sleek downtown condo, Huntington Beach rentals offer a unique opportunity to cater to both short-term visitors and long-term residents. But striking the right balance between these two tenant types? That’s where the real challenge—and opportunity—lies.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the dynamics of managing Huntington Beach rentals, exploring the pros and cons of short-term versus long-term tenants, the local market trends, and practical strategies for property owners to maximize their investment while keeping the scales tipped in their favor.
The Appeal of Huntington Beach Rentals
Huntington Beach’s rental market thrives on its enviable location. With over 10 miles of pristine coastline, a bustling pier, and a calendar packed with events like the U.S. Open of Surfing, the city draws millions of tourists annually. For short-term renters—think vacationers, weekend warriors, or event attendees—the allure of a beachside stay is irresistible. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo have fueled this demand, turning properties into lucrative short-term rental (STR) opportunities.
On the flip side, Huntington Beach is more than just a tourist trap. It’s a thriving community with a population of over 200,000, excellent schools, and a strong local economy. Long-term tenants—families, professionals, and retirees—are drawn to the city’s quality of life, making it a prime spot for traditional leases. This dual appeal creates a tug-of-war for property owners: cater to the quick-turnover, high-profit world of STRs, or opt for the stability of long-term leases?
Short-Term Tenants: The Highs and Lows
Let’s start with short-term rentals. The financial upside is hard to ignore. During peak seasons—summer months, holidays, or major events—nightly rates can soar, often dwarfing what a monthly lease would bring in. A well-located property near Main Street or Pacific City might fetch $200 to $400 per night, compared to a monthly rent of $2,500 to $4,000 for a similar unit. For owners willing to hustle, the math often favors STRs.
Beyond revenue, short-term rentals offer flexibility. Owners can block off dates for personal use, family visits, or renovations without the headache of breaking a lease. Plus, the constant turnover means less wear-and-tear from any single occupant—a small but real perk.
But it’s not all sunshine and surfboards. Managing STRs is a grind. You’re not just a landlord; you’re a hospitality maven. Cleaning between guests, restocking supplies, handling bookings, and fielding late-night “where’s the Wi-Fi password?” messages can eat up time—or money if you hire a property manager. Then there’s the regulatory landscape. Huntington Beach has tightened its STR rules in recent years, capping the number of permitted properties and imposing strict noise, parking, and occupancy limits. Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines or a revoked permit, a risk not present with long-term tenants.
Long-Term Tenants: Stability Meets Simplicity
Now, let’s flip the coin. Long-term tenants offer a different flavor of appeal: predictability. A signed 12-month lease means steady cash flow, fewer vacancies, and a lighter management load. Once the tenant’s in, your day-to-day involvement drops significantly—no need to play concierge or coordinate turnovers every weekend. For owners who value peace of mind over peak profits, this is a compelling draw.
Long-term tenants also tend to treat the property like home, which can mean less reckless damage (though wear-and-tear over years can still add up). And in a tenant-friendly state like California, eviction protections make it harder for short-term guests to overstay, but easier to establish a stable relationship with a long-term renter.
The trade-off? Lower revenue potential. Monthly rents in Huntington Beach, while healthy (averaging $2,000-$3,500 for a one- or two-bedroom unit), can’t compete with STR peak-season windfalls. You’re also locked in—want to use the place for a summer getaway? Too bad, unless your tenant’s cool with subletting. Plus, if a tenant stops paying, California’s lengthy eviction process can leave you in limbo.
Market Trends in Huntington Beach
So, what’s the rental market telling us in 2025? Huntington Beach remains a seller’s and landlord’s market, with demand outpacing supply. The median home price hovers around $1.2 million, pushing many would-be buyers into renting—good news for long-term lease prospects. Meanwhile, tourism continues to rebound post-pandemic, with 2024 visitor numbers nearing pre-2020 highs, per the Huntington Beach Visitor Bureau. This keeps STRs in high demand, especially near the coast.
Local regulations, however, are a wildcard. The city’s STR ordinance, updated in 2021, limits permits to 1% of total housing units (roughly 750 properties) and prioritizes owner-occupied homes. Waitlists for permits are long, and enforcement is stricter than ever—noise complaints or unpermitted rentals can trigger swift action. For long-term rentals, California’s rent control laws (capped at 5% plus inflation, or 10% max annually) add another layer of complexity, though they don’t apply to single-family homes or newer buildings.
Striking the Balance: Hybrid Strategies
For savvy property owners, the answer isn’t all-or-nothing—it’s both. Balancing short- and long-term tenants can diversify income, mitigate risks, and keep your options open. Here are a few strategies to make it work:
- Seasonal Switching
Use the property as an STR during peak seasons (June-August, major events) when rates spike, then shift to a six- or nine-month lease in the off-season. This maximizes summer profits while ensuring winter stability. Just be upfront with long-term tenants about the arrangement—and check local STR permit rules. - Multi-Unit Properties
Got a duplex or triplex? Dedicate one unit to STRs for quick cash and another to a long-term tenant for steady income. This hedges your bets: if tourism dips, you’ve got a reliable lease; if a tenant moves out, STR revenue keeps you afloat. - Flexible Leasing
Offer month-to-month leases with a premium (say, 10-15% above a year-long rate). This attracts tenants who value flexibility—like remote workers or seasonal residents—while giving you the option to pivot to STRs during high-demand windows. - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
California’s ADU boom is a game-changer. Build a granny flat or convert a garage, then rent it long-term while keeping the main house for STRs (or vice versa). Huntington Beach encourages ADUs to ease housing shortages, and they’re exempt from some rent control rules if owner-occupied.
Practical Tips for Success
Whatever mix you choose, execution matters. Here’s how to thrive:
- Know the Law: STR permits, zoning rules, and tenant rights vary by neighborhood. Check Huntington Beach’s municipal code and consult a local expert to stay compliant.
- Price Smart: Use tools like AirDNA for STR rates and Zillow for long-term benchmarks. Adjust dynamically based on demand—don’t undersell your beachfront view.
- Market Aggressively: For STRs, killer photos and listings on multiple platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com) are key. For long-term, tap local networks—think realtors, employers, or even Facebook groups.
- Screen Tenants: Short-term guests leave reviews; long-term tenants need vetting. Credit checks, references, and clear lease terms save headaches later.
- Outsource Wisely: Property managers charge 20-30% of STR revenue but can handle the grunt work. For long-term, a one-time tenant placement fee might suffice.
The Bottom Line
Huntington Beach rentals are a goldmine—if you play your cards right. Short-term tenants bring the thrill of high returns and flexibility, while long-term tenants offer the comfort of consistency. The real magic happens when you blend the two, tailoring your approach to your goals, property type, and tolerance for hands-on management. In a city where the waves keep rolling and the sun keeps shining, the rental market’s potential is as endless as the horizon.
So, what’s your move? Dive into the STR hustle, anchor down with a long-term lease, or ride the wave of both? In Huntington Beach, the choice is yours—and the rewards are waiting.
