A short-term rental in Seattle is a type of lodging where a home, or part of a home, is rented for a fee for fewer than 30 consecutive nights.

Yes, there are environmental, licensing, and tax regulations that affect property owners in Seattle.

Yes, there are a number of STR taxes to be paid. city's hotel tax, state sales tax. lodging tax and trade center tax.

Yes, individuals who have both business license tax certificate and a regulatory license for STRs can operate a short term rental business in Seattle.

Once you have obtained a business license, you must notify your immediate neighbors (those within 200 feet of your property) of your intention to operate a short-term rental. You can use a template notification letter provided by the Department of Construction and Inspections, and you must provide evidence of written notification to at least 50% of your immediate neighbors.

After you have notified your neighbors, you must obtain written approval from at least 50% of your immediate neighbors. They can provide their approval by signing a form provided by the Department of Construction and Inspections.

Yes, in Seattle, neighborhood approval is generally required for short-term rentals.

1. Zoning districts: STRs are allowed in certain residential and commercial zones in Seattle, but are prohibited in certain zones, such as industrial and maritime zones. Hosts should check the Seattle Municipal Code and the zoning map to determine whether their property is in a zone that allows STRs.

2. Owner-occupancy requirement: In some residential zones, hosts must live in the unit as their primary residence for at least 275 nights per year in order to operate an STR

3. Occupancy Limits: The maximum occupancy of an STR in Seattle is eight people per night, regardless of the size of the unit or the number of bedrooms

4. Parking requirements: Hosts must provide on-site parking for guests in certain zones, and must comply with all applicable parking regulations in Seattle.

5. Business license and tax requirements: Hosts must obtain a Seattle business license and pay all applicable taxes, including the city's hotel tax and state sales tax.

Yes, there are a number of STR taxes to be paid. city's hotel tax, state sales tax. lodging tax and trade center tax.

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

Washington Combined Sales Tax: 7.0-9.6% of the listing price including any cleaning fees (plus guest fees for WA State Sales Tax)

Special Hotel/Motel Tax, Convention and Trade Center Tax, Regional Transit Authority Tax, and Tourism Promotion Area Charges: The Special Hotel/Motel Tax is typically 1-5% of the listing price including any cleaning fees for reservations 29 nights and shorter.

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In Seattle, hosts may rent out part or all of their primary residence for short-term stays. A primary residence is defined as the host's usual place of abode, where they live for at least nine months out of the year. Here are some of the property types that can be used for STRs:

1. Accessory dwelling unit (ADU)

2. Mother-in-law unit

3. Duplex or triplex

4. Condominium

Yes, there are occupancy limits for STRs.

There are several STR regulations that affect property owners. Here are some of the key regulations:

• Licensing and Registration
• Zoning and Land Use
• Occupancy and Guest Limits
• Safety and Health Regulations
• Noise and Nuisance

For the Short-term rental operator's license: Valid Seattle business license tax certificate number, Rental Registration Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) registration for all rentals that are not the primary residence.

For the Bed-and-breakfast operator's license: Valid Seattle business license tax certificate number, Washington state transient accommodation license number, A copy of your Washington state transient accommodation license (required to upload), Must adhere to Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) zoning requirements for a bed-and-breakfast.

For Platform (e.g., Airbnb or Vrbo): Valid Seattle business license tax certificate (business license/customer number) if there is an office in Seattle. If you applied for a new business license tax certificate, please allow 48 hours processing time before applying for the short-term rental regulatory license.

Short-term Rental Operator licenses are valid for 12 months from the date they are issued. The new license will cost $75 per Dwelling unit annually and will be valid for one year.

Seattle's Land Use Code and Housing Code rules must be followed by property owners.

You need to pay $150 to $500 each day if you break any of the aforementioned rules.

Yes, The Director of Finance and Administrative Services is the official authority.

Finance and Administrative Services

Kiersten Grove, Acting Director

Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 5200, Seattle, WA , 98104

Mailing Address: PO Box 94689, Seattle, WA, 98124-4689

Phone: (206) 684-2489

No localities in Seattle are totally immune from all laws governing short-term rentals.

For the Short-term rental operator's license: Valid Seattle business license tax certificate number, Rental Registration Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) registration for all rentals that are not the primary residence.

For the Bed-and-breakfast operator's license: Valid Seattle business license tax certificate number, Washington state transient accommodation license number, A copy of your Washington state transient accommodation license (required to upload), Must adhere to Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) zoning requirements for a bed-and-breakfast.

For Platform (e.g., Airbnb or Vrbo): Valid Seattle business license tax certificate (business license/customer number) if there is an office in Seattle. If you applied for a new business license tax certificate, please allow 48 hours processing time before applying for the short-term rental regulatory license.

Short-term Rental Operator licenses are valid for 12 months from the date they are issued. The new license will cost $75 per Dwelling unit annually and will be valid for one year.