Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Kirkland, WA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Kirkland, WA, but with restrictions. STRs are regulated and primarily apply to detached single-family residences; owners or authorized agents who continuously occupy the residence as their primary residence may rent with no annual day limit, OR must occupy the property as primary residence at least 245 days/year to be eligible but then short-term rentals are limited to 120 days/year when not continuously occupied. A property manager located within 15 miles must be identified when owner/agent is absent; no more than two short-term rental agreements at the property at any one time; occupancy and parking follow city zoning limits (no more than five unrelated persons; one parking stall per STR, with additional stalls if permanent residents live in the unit). 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.

STRs are regulated and primarily apply to detached single-family residences; owners or authorized agents who continuously occupy the residence as their primary residence may rent with no annual day limit, OR must occupy the property as primary residence at least 245 days/year to be eligible but then short-term rentals are limited to 120 days/year when not continuously occupied. A property manager located within 15 miles must be identified when owner/agent is absent; no more than two short-term rental agreements at the property at any one time; occupancy and parking follow city zoning limits (no more than five unrelated persons; one parking stall per STR, with additional stalls if permanent residents live in the unit).

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Kirkland. 1) Register with the State of Washington Department of Revenue; 2) Apply for a City of Kirkland business license (via the Washington Business Licensing Service/City business license portal) and complete and submit the City short-term rental declaration form; pay required City business license fees as stated (base $100 plus RGRL $130 per employee, with $50 registration option if gross receipts <$20,000); 3) Provide property manager contact information if owner/agent will be absent and ensure lodging excise taxes are remitted to the State.

1) Register with the State of Washington Department of Revenue; 2) Apply for a City of Kirkland business license (via the Washington Business Licensing Service/City business license portal) and complete and submit the City short-term rental declaration form; pay required City business license fees as stated (base $100 plus RGRL $130 per employee, with $50 registration option if gross receipts <$20,000); 3) Provide property manager contact information if owner/agent will be absent and ensure lodging excise taxes are remitted to the State.

Vrbo is permitted in Kirkland, 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 Kirkland 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 Kirkland. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.