Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Seattle?

Short-term rentals ARE allowed in Seattle, WA, but they are subject to strict regulations. Seattle has implemented comprehensive licensing and regulatory requirements for short-term rentals that took effect January 1, 2019. The city permits STRs with specific limitations: most operators may operate up to two dwelling units (their primary residence plus one secondary unit), and all STRs must comply with city licensing requirements, land use codes, and safety standards. Key restrictions include prohibitions on renting non-dwelling units like RVs, tents, and boats, as well as restrictions in certain shoreline areas and commercial/industrial zones.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Seattle

Starting a short-term rental business in Seattle requires a structured, multi-step approach with proper sequencing of licenses and registrations:

Step 1: Business License Tax Certificate

First, obtain a Seattle business license tax certificate through the Finance and Administrative Services Department. This is mandatory before applying for any STR-specific licenses. You can apply online at FileLocal-wa.gov. Allow 48 hours for processing before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO)

Determine if your STR property is subject to RRIO requirements. If your STR is not your primary residence (including dedicated secondary units, ADUs, or DADUs), you must register with the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections prior to applying for your STR regulatory license.

Step 3: STR Regulatory License Application

Apply for your short-term rental regulatory license through the Seattle Services Portal. This system consolidates city business services and requires account creation if you don't already have one. The fee is $75 per unit and licenses are valid for 12 months.

Step 4: Listing and Compliance

Once licensed, ensure all your listings display your license number in the required format (STR-OPLI-##-######) and comply with operational standards including safety information posting and providing local contact numbers.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Business License Tax Certificate

• Cost: Various fees apply
• Validity: Valid until end of December each calendar year
• Application: FileLocal-wa.gov
• Processing Time: 48 hours minimum, up to 2 weeks

STR Operator Regulatory License

• Cost: $75 per unit annually
• Validity: 12 months from issuance date
• Format: STR-OPLI-##-###### (e.g., STR-OPLI-21-000123)
• Application: Seattle Services Portal
• Paper Application: Available but processing takes longer

Additional Requirements by Property Type

For Primary Residence STRs:

• Seattle business license tax certificate
• STR operator license
• Must meet habitability requirements (no RRIO registration required)

For Secondary/Dedicated Units:

• Seattle business license tax certificate
• STR operator license
• RRIO registration and compliance
• Must meet all building and safety codes

For Bed & Breakfast Operations:

• Seattle business license tax certificate
• Washington state transient accommodation license
• Bed & breakfast operator's license ($75, valid one year)
• Must comply with SDCI zoning requirements

For Legacy Units (pre-Sept. 30, 2017):

• Documentation proving STR operation within 12 months prior to Sept. 30, 2017
• All standard licensing requirements apply

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Operator Limits and Restrictions

Most short-term rental operators may operate maximum two units: their primary residence plus one secondary unit. The primary residence can include attached or detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs/DADUs) or in-law apartments. Rented rooms without separate kitchens and bathrooms don't count toward the two-unit limit.

Prohibited Locations and Property Types

• Non-dwelling units: RVs, tents, garages, boats
• Shoreline areas: Floating residences, waterfront properties, areas prohibited by Shoreline Code
• Commercial/Industrial: Live-work units, caretaker's quarters in commercial/industrial buildings
• Downtown Urban Core: Generally prohibited except for legacy units operating before Sept. 30, 2017

Operational Requirements

• License number must be posted on all listings in specified format
• Operators must provide safety information and local contact numbers
• Properties must comply with parking, noise, housing and building maintenance codes
• Health regulations apply if serving food to guests

Platform Reporting Requirements

STR platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) must submit:

• Monthly reports (15th of each month): All licensed operators, unit addresses, URLs
• Quarterly reports (Jan 15, Apr 15, Jul 15, Oct 15): Number of operators and nights booked
• Quarterly fees (Jan 30, Apr 30, Jul 30, Oct 30): $4.00 per booked night

Enforcement and Penalties

• Operating without STR license: $500 first violation, $1,000 subsequent violations
• Operating without business license: $513 citation
• Land use code violations: $150-$500 daily fines

State-Level Regulations (Washington State)

Transient Accommodation License

Washington State requires a transient accommodation license for bed and breakfast operations. Contact the Washington State Department of Health for requirements and applications.

Tax Requirements

Washington State requires payment of certain lodging taxes. The state Department of Revenue mandates compliance with lodging tax requirements for short-term rentals. In March 2018, Governor Inslee signed HB 2015, which changed rules for lodging excise taxes.

Personal Home Rental Guidelines

Refer to the Washington Department of Revenue's lodging guide for personal home rentals for state-specific tax and licensing requirements.

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) - Licensing Division

Primary STR Licensing Authority

• Phone: (206) 386-1267
• Email: STR@seattle.gov
• Address: 700 Fifth Ave., Suite 4300, Seattle, WA 98104
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 98380, Seattle, WA 98124-7085
• Business License Tax Certificate:
  • Email: tax@seattle.gov
  • Phone: (206) 684-8484
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI)

Land Use Code and RRIO Requirements

• Phone: (206) 615-0808 (Code requirement questions)
• Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 2000, Seattle, WA 98104
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 34019, Seattle, WA 98124-4019
• Main Phone: (206) 684-8600
• Hours: Standard business hours

Seattle Services Portal

• Website: Seattle Services Portal
• Online Application Help: Available through portal

Complaint and Service Requests

• Online: Request a City Service
• Select: Business Related Complaint → Short-term rental
• Phone: (206) 615-0808

State Agencies

• Washington Department of Revenue: For tax questions
• Washington State Department of Health: For transient accommodation licenses

Source Links

Official City Resources

• Seattle Short-Term Rental Homepage
• Seattle Services Portal
• SDCI Short-Term Rental Code Questions
• Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance
• Business License Tax Certificate

Legal Documents and Codes

• Seattle Municipal Code 6.600
• Seattle Municipal Code 23.42.060
• Ordinance 125490

State Resources

• Washington Department of Revenue Lodging Guide
• FileLocal Washington Business Portal

Platform Resources

• Airbnb Seattle Host Guide

Additional Resources

• STR Limits Summary Table
• STR Limits Reference Map
• Paper Application Form

This guide provides comprehensive information for short-term rental investment in Seattle, WA. Always verify current requirements with official city sources as regulations may change. Consult with local legal and tax professionals for personalized guidance.