Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Tacoma, WA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Tacoma, WA, but with restrictions. Owner-occupancy is required if renting individual rooms or an ADU; entire-home rentals do not require residency. 1-2 guest rooms are allowed in residential zones, while 3-9 rooms require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in most residential districts. Safety signs, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors are mandatory. 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.

Owner-occupancy is required if renting individual rooms or an ADU; entire-home rentals do not require residency. 1-2 guest rooms are allowed in residential zones, while 3-9 rooms require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in most residential districts. Safety signs, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors are mandatory.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Tacoma. 1. Obtain a City of Tacoma Business License. 2. If renting 3 or more individual rooms, apply for a Transient Accommodations License, which requires review by Fire, Environmental Services, and Planning & Development Services. 3. Ensure the unit meets safety requirements, including smoke/CO detectors and posted safety signage.

1. Obtain a City of Tacoma Business License. 2. If renting 3 or more individual rooms, apply for a Transient Accommodations License, which requires review by Fire, Environmental Services, and Planning & Development Services. 3. Ensure the unit meets safety requirements, including smoke/CO detectors and posted safety signage.

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