Rental Housing Providers Subject to Social Host Fireworks Enforcement

As the Independence Day Holiday approaches, rental property owners, management companies, onsite managers, and other housing providers should be aware of the social host and fireworks enforcement laws in the cities where they operate.

Cities will hold housing providers responsible for illegal fireworks activity by renters and their guests, and potentially even spectators on and adjacent to your rental property. You should familiarize yourself with the following city's social host provisions related to fireworks enforcement.

AAOC advises its members whose rental properties are located in the following cities to: 1) directly notify renters and onsite staff of the law and the penalties for violations in advance of the holiday weekend; 2) post notices on the property; and 3) contact city code enforcement to further determine how to minimize legal and financial liability. Also, see our "10 Best Practices to Reduce Liability" below.

Social Host & Fireworks Enforcement Information for Review and Distribution:

• Anaheim - General Info | Host Liability Flyer | Report Illegal Fireworks | AMC §6.40.036 (Host Liability) |
• Brea - BMC § 16.08.040 Host Liability 
• Buena Park - General Info | BPMC § 16.08.120 Social Host Prohibited 
• Fullerton - FMC § 7.26.030 Host Liability 
• La Habra - Ordinance Code Chapter 9.38 
• Orange - General Info | Ordinance No. 02-26 (OMC 8.13.020) 
• Stanton - General Info | SMC § 17.04.072 Liability of property owners or persons in control of property | 

Contact City Code Enforcement with Questions:

• Anaheim Code Enforcement - (714) 765-5158
• Brea Code Enforcement - (714) 990-7764
• Buena Park Code Enforcement - (714) 562-3642
• Fullerton Code Enforcement - (714) 738-6857
• La Habra Code Enforcement - (562) 383-4134
• Orange Code Enforcement - (714) 744-7244
• Stanton Code Enforcement - (714) 890-4286

10 Best Practices to Reduce Liability:

1. Know your city’s laws related to social host & fireworks enforcement.
2. Update your lease language (Fireworks, Noise, Parking, Guest conduct, Parties, Short-term rentals).
3. Post notice of city fireworks & social host laws on the property.
4. Post Community Rules. Remind residents that violations may result in lease enforcement actions and that responsible parties may be held financially liable for fines assessed against the property.
5. Send Holiday Reminder Notices.
6. Consider additional security patrols. High-risk holidays often justify additional security presence.
7. Direct onsite staff to immediately notify law enforcement. Prompt reporting may help protect the property and demonstrate good-faith compliance efforts.
8. Follow Up with Violators Quickly. Document violations and communicate directly with responsible tenants as soon as possible.
9. Keep Thorough Documentation. Maintain records of notices, warnings, patrol logs, incident reports, and communications with residents.
10. Stay Engaged with Local Government.