Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Bainbridge Island, WA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Bainbridge Island, WA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are defined as stays of 30 days or less in legally permitted dwelling units. Requirements include a 24/7 local contact responding within 60 minutes, occupancy limits of two persons per room plus one per unit (not exceeding platform limits), and the display of a city-provided 4"x6" exterior notice and the rental certificate. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rentals are defined as stays of 30 days or less in legally permitted dwelling units. Requirements include a 24/7 local contact responding within 60 minutes, occupancy limits of two persons per room plus one per unit (not exceeding platform limits), and the display of a city-provided 4"x6" exterior notice and the rental certificate.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Bainbridge Island. 1) Submit a city-provided application form including owner/agent contact info, primary residence status, and a 24/7 local contact. 2) Pay a nonrefundable application or renewal fee as established by City Council resolution. 3) The city will mail notices to neighbors within 300 feet (if not owner-occupied primary residence) and grant the certificate for one year if no grounds for denial exist.

1) Submit a city-provided application form including owner/agent contact info, primary residence status, and a 24/7 local contact. 2) Pay a nonrefundable application or renewal fee as established by City Council resolution. 3) The city will mail notices to neighbors within 300 feet (if not owner-occupied primary residence) and grant the certificate for one year if no grounds for denial exist.

Vrbo is permitted in Bainbridge Island, WA under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Bainbridge Island are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Bainbridge Island. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.