Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Tukwila, WA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Tukwila, WA, but with restrictions. Tukwila’s Residential Rental Business License and Inspection Program applies to all rental units including short-term rentals; short-term rentals are expressly not allowed in multi-family dwellings (apartments and condominiums). Rental units must pass an inspection prior to initial occupancy and every four years; a Certificate of Compliance is required before renting. State law (RCW 64.37) also requires operator contact information, specified safety postings, insurance, and tax remittance. 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.

Tukwila’s Residential Rental Business License and Inspection Program applies to all rental units including short-term rentals; short-term rentals are expressly not allowed in multi-family dwellings (apartments and condominiums). Rental units must pass an inspection prior to initial occupancy and every four years; a Certificate of Compliance is required before renting. State law (RCW 64.37) also requires operator contact information, specified safety postings, insurance, and tax remittance.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Tukwila. 1) Create an account and submit an annual Residential Rental Business License application through the City’s Rental Business License Portal (https://tukw-egov.aspgov.com/BL/index.html) and pay applicable fees; renew annually by January 31. 2) Obtain and submit a rental unit inspection (city or private inspector) using the City Inspection Checklist prior to initial occupancy; schedule via RentalHousing@TukwilaWA.gov. 3) Receive Certificate of Compliance (valid four years) — required before a unit may be rented; cure any deficiencies and complete re-inspection as required.

1) Create an account and submit an annual Residential Rental Business License application through the City’s Rental Business License Portal (https://tukw-egov.aspgov.com/BL/index.html) and pay applicable fees; renew annually by January 31. 2) Obtain and submit a rental unit inspection (city or private inspector) using the City Inspection Checklist prior to initial occupancy; schedule via RentalHousing@TukwilaWA.gov. 3) Receive Certificate of Compliance (valid four years) — required before a unit may be rented; cure any deficiencies and complete re-inspection as required.

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