United States · Washington
Short-term rental rules in Seattle
Legal regime
Regulated: two licenses required for all STR operators under Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 6.600 (Ordinance 125490, effective January 1, 2019) — a Seattle Business License Tax Certificate and an STR Regulatory Operator License. Most operators are limited to up to two dwelling units (one primary residence and one secondary property); limited exceptions apply for units lawfully operated as STRs before September 30, 2017. Renters are prohibited from obtaining STR operator licenses except for legacy units in the Downtown Urban Core pre-dating September 30, 2017. Prohibited property types include RVs, tents, garages, boats, live-work units, houseboats, and waterfront residences. No annual night cap under Seattle law. Washington State lodging excise tax (retail sales tax plus lodging and convention/trade center taxes) applies per HB 2015; Seattle's city-specific STR tax was repealed in 2018.
Key parameters
- License required
- Yes
- Max nights/year
- No cap specified
License process
Step 1: Obtain a Seattle Business License Tax Certificate via filelocal-wa.gov (allow approximately 48 hours). Step 2: If the property is subject to the Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance, register with the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections. Step 3: Apply for an STR Regulatory Operator License via the Seattle Services Portal (cosaccela.seattle.gov/Portal/) or by submitting a paper application. Fee: $75 per unit per year; annual renewal required via the Services Portal. License number must be displayed on all rental listings in the format 'STR-OPLI-##-######'. Unit limit: most operators may manage a maximum of two dwelling units (primary residence plus one secondary property); limited exceptions exist for units legally operated as STRs before September 30, 2017. Renters may not hold STR operator licenses except for Downtown Urban Core legacy units. All units must comply with Seattle building and safety codes and Land Use Code (SMC 23.42.060). Penalties: first unlicensed-operation violation $500; subsequent violations $1,000; operating without a business license $513.