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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Seattle, WA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Operators are generally limited to two units, with at least one required to be their primary residence if operating two. STRs are prohibited in non-dwelling units (RVs, boats, garages), live-work units, and certain shoreline areas. Dedicated non-primary units must be registered with the Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO).

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Obtain a Seattle business license tax certificate via FileLocal. 2. Apply for the STR regulatory license through the Seattle Services Portal (cosaccela.seattle.gov) and pay the $75 per unit fee. 3. Register non-primary units with the Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) program.

Regulatory Updates — Seattle

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedSeptember 2017

Good Neighbor Agreement Requirement

Seattle requires all registered STR operators to complete and post a Good Neighbor Agreement that outlines expected guest conduct, including noise limits, parking rules, occupancy maximums, and trash disposal requirements. Guests must be informed of the agreement before booking, and violations by guests can be attributed to the operator for enforcement purposes.

Official source
PassedApril 2024

Increased Proactive Enforcement — 2024

Seattle's Office of Housing and Seattle Finance & Administrative Services increased STR enforcement activity in 2024, proactively cross-referencing platform listings against the city's license database. Operators found to be renting non-primary residences or operating without a license received compliance notices, with fines escalating for continued non-compliance.

ProposedOctober 2024

Proposed Neighborhood-Level STR Density Caps

Seattle council members representing Capitol Hill and the Central District proposed neighborhood-specific STR density caps in 2024, citing concerns about housing availability in high-demand areas. The proposal would limit the number of STR licenses per block or census tract. The proposal remained in committee as of early 2025.

Official Resources

Official Seattle STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Seattle STR Host CommunityLocal

Local group of Seattle STR hosts, organized in part through Airbnb's advocacy platform, that engages with Seattle City Council on licensing policies and proposed density restrictions.

Washington Landlord AssociationStatewide

Statewide landlord association with an active STR policy committee, monitoring Seattle and other Washington municipalities for new restrictions and advocating for state preemption legislation.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association tracking Seattle STR regulations and Washington state legislative activity regarding STR preemption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Seattle, WA?
Operators are generally limited to two units, with at least one required to be their primary residence if operating two. STRs are prohibited in non-dwelling units (RVs, boats, garages), live-work units, and certain shoreline areas. Dedicated non-primary units must be registered with the Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO).
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Seattle?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Seattle. 1. Obtain a Seattle business license tax certificate via FileLocal. 2. Apply for the STR regulatory license through the Seattle Services Portal (cosaccela.seattle.gov) and pay the $75 per unit fee. 3. Register non-primary units with the Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) program.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Seattle?
1. Obtain a Seattle business license tax certificate via FileLocal. 2. Apply for the STR regulatory license through the Seattle Services Portal (cosaccela.seattle.gov) and pay the $75 per unit fee. 3. Register non-primary units with the Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) program.
What is Seattle's Good Neighbor Agreement for STRs?
Seattle's Good Neighbor Agreement is a required document that all licensed STR operators must complete and post in their rental unit. It specifies rules for guest conduct including: noise limits (quiet hours), parking instructions, occupancy limits, trash and recycling procedures, and a contact number for the host or manager. Guests must be informed of the agreement before booking. Repeated violations of the Good Neighbor Agreement by guests can result in compliance action against the operator's license.
Does Seattle require primary residency to operate an STR?
Yes. Seattle requires that the licensed STR operator use the property as their primary residence. This means the address must be on your driver's license and you must actually spend the majority of your nights there. You cannot license and rent out a second home or investment property in Seattle as an STR. The primary-residency requirement applies citywide, including for both whole-home and room-rental STR configurations.
What happens if my Seattle STR gets a noise complaint?
Noise complaints against Seattle STR properties can trigger a complaint investigation by the Seattle Police Department or Seattle's STR compliance office. If the complaint is substantiated, it is documented against your STR license. Multiple substantiated complaints can result in license suspension or revocation. Your Good Neighbor Agreement is part of the enforcement record — guests' conduct obligations are tied to your operating license. Proactively communicating noise and conduct rules to guests before check-in can reduce complaint risk.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction