Understanding the STR laws in King County, including Seattle and unincorporated areas
Navigating the World of STRs in King County (WA)
First Things First: State-Wide Requirements
Before diving into King County specifics, remember that the following rules apply to every short-term rental (STR) in Washington state.
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Defined as a “short-term rental” when a dwelling unit (or portion thereof) is offered for fewer than 30 consecutive days. app.leg.wa.gov+2BNB Calc+2
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Must register with the state, obtain a business license (Unified Business Identifier - UBI) via the Washington State Department of Revenue for tax and business-registration purposes. BNB Calc+1
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Operators must maintain liability insurance of at least US $1 million, or use a platform whose policy meets or exceeds that amount. app.leg.wa.gov+1
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Safety and guest information requirements:
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Provide contact info of operator or designated person. app.leg.wa.gov
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Post address, emergency contact, guest occupancy limits, floor plan/exit routes in each unit. app.leg.wa.gov
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Tax obligations: sales tax, lodging/occupancy tax, and other relevant local taxes/fees apply. BNB Calc+2dor.wa.gov+2
Quick Look: King County & Seattle - Two Areas, Different Rules
Here’s a comparison of some of the major differences between unincorporated King County, the city of Seattle, and other jurisdictions within the County.
| Jurisdiction | Licensing/Permits | Zoning/Primary Residence | Taxes & Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unincorporated King County | Need state business license; check county/regional requirements househackseattle.com+1 | Rules depend on zoning; fewer city-specific caps but still must comply with state law househackseattle.com+1 | Must collect state sales tax + county and any local lodging/occupancy taxes BNB Calc+1 |
| City of Seattle | Must have state business license + Seattle Business License Tax Certificate + STR Operator/Regulatory License. seattle.gov+2seattle.gov+2 | Rentals allowed in primary residence or as defined under rules; limited number of units (example: in Seattle hosts limited to two units). Hostaway+1 | Combined tax burden: state sales tax + local sales tax + lodging/occupancy tax + possible other fees. staymodernproperties.com+1 |
Note: Always check with your specific city/town in King County — rules may differ for cities like Bellevue, Kirkland, etc. househackseattle.com
Deep Dive: Unincorporated King County
If your STR is located outside of a city’s incorporated boundary (i.e., unincorporated King County), here are some of the key things to know.
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While there’s no single uniform “county-wide STR ordinance” that applies to all situations, the state-wide requirements (see above) still apply.
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Zoning codes matter: for example, the County’s Title 21A zoning ordinance influences what uses are permitted in various zones including short-term rentals. aqua.kingcounty.gov
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Tax considerations: You must register with the state Department of Revenue and remit appropriate sales/occupancy tax for short-term rentals. BNB Calc+1
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Since local rules may change, check with the King County Permitting Division or Planning department for: zoning, occupancy limits, neighborhood notification, parking or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) use issues.
Deep Dive: City of Seattle
If your STR is inside the city of Seattle, you’ll face specific licensing, zoning, and tax rules:
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Licensing: You must have a Washington state business license (UBI), a Seattle business license tax certificate, and a Seattle STR Operator’s License. library.municode.com+1
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Zoning & occupancy: STRs must comply with land use code (Seattle Municipal Code 23.42.060) and housing code. seattle.gov
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Unit limits: In Seattle a host may be limited to a maximum of two STR units, and one must be the host’s primary residence (unless legacy unit status applies). Hostaway+1
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Safety & code compliance: Must meet building, fire, and health codes. For units that are not owner-occupied, registration under RRIO (Rental Registration & Inspection Ordinance) may apply. seattle.gov+1
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Taxation: In addition to state sales tax, lodging and other local taxes apply. Failure to comply may result in fines or enforcement. staymodernproperties.com+1
Resources
Here are key links and resources to help you stay compliant:
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Washington State short-term rental law: RCW 64.37 (Short-Term Rentals) — covers definitions, liability insurance, platform responsibilities. app.leg.wa.gov
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Washington Department of Revenue – Personal Home Rentals guide. dor.wa.gov
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City of Seattle – Short-Term Rentals (Business Regulations). seattle.gov+1
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HouseHack Seattle blog – Washington State & King County STR rules. househackseattle.com
Final Thoughts
Operating a successful short-term rental in King County (especially within Bellevue) is absolutely possible - but compliance is key. Start with state licensing, then dig into city zoning, registration, taxes, and insurance. Use checklists, stay current with changes, and document everything to protect yourself and your investment.
