Seattle, Washington Short Term Rental Regulations

City Code of Ordinances

Seattle defines a short-term rental as lodging where a home, or part of a home, is rented for a fee for fewer than 30 consecutive nights. Examples of short-term rentals are rented through platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO.

• Short-term rentals are not allowed in RVs, tents, garages, boats, and other spaces that are not considered dwelling units, floating on-water residences, waterfront residences, and other areas where lodging activities are prohibited by the Shoreline Code Dwellings in commercial or industrial buildings permitted as "Caretaker's quarters," and Live-work units.
• No more than eight people may occupy a dwelling unit (with some exceptions).
• Most short-term rental operators may operate two units: the operator's primary residence and a secondary unit, one in which the operator does not live.

See the Seattle Short-Term Rentals page for more information. 

Business License Requirements

If you operate short-term rentals (STRs) in Seattle, you need a regulatory license for STRs and a business license tax certificate.

The majority of short-term rental business owners may manage two properties: their primary residence and a secondary property where they don't reside. The primary unit could be an "in-law" apartment integrated into a larger housing unit, an auxiliary dwelling unit (ADU or DADU) or both. Rentable spaces without private bathrooms and kitchens do not count as an operator's two units and are exempt from additional license requirements. They are covered by an STR operator's primary or secondary residential license.

See the following requirements if applicable:

• Hosting primary residence (entire home, private room, or multiple private rooms):
  • Seattle business license tax certificate
  • Short-term rental operator's license
  • Licenses are issued per address, not per room.
• Hosting  secondary residence (second home or vacation home):
  • Seattle business license tax certificate
  • Short-term rental operator's license
  • Rental Registration Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) License
  • Only one secondary residence per host is eligible for short-term stays in Seattle.

No tenant should host any property as a short-term rental unless their listing qualifies as a legacy unit.

Building and Housing Standards

Seattle has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Consult the Seattle Building and Construction Code and contact the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections for more information.

Tourist and Local Taxes

All rentals in Seattle are subject to a short-term rental tax. Platforms (such as Airbnb or Vrbo) collect and remit state and local taxes to the State of Washington on guests' behalf. The guest pays for the state and local taxes. Contact the Department of Revenue's website for more information regarding Washington state requirements for short-term rentals.

Other Rules

It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the Seattle website for more information.