Washington Short-Term Rentals: What Property Owners Should Know
Washington property owners who operate short-term rentals must follow both state requirements and applicable local rules. With cities and counties able to impose additional requirements, owners should understand the regulations that apply to their specific property before listing it for short-term stays.
Under Washington law, a short-term rental generally refers to a dwelling or portion of a dwelling offered to guests for fewer than 30 consecutive nights. (Washington Legislature)
State Requirements for Short-Term Rentals
Washington’s statewide short-term-rental law includes several requirements for operators.
Operators must provide guests with contact information for someone who can respond to inquiries during the stay. Short-term rentals must also meet applicable carbon-monoxide alarm requirements and display important safety information inside the rental, including the property address, emergency contacts, evacuation routes, maximum occupancy, and operator contact information. (Washington Legislature)
Short-term-rental platforms also have responsibilities under state law, including registering with the state and providing operators with information about applicable tax and safety obligations. (Washington Legislature)
Local Rules Can Also Apply
State requirements are only part of the picture.
Cities and counties may have their own regulations governing short-term rentals, including licensing, zoning, occupancy, parking, noise, taxes, and other operating requirements.
This means an owner considering an Airbnb, VRBO, or similar rental should check the rules for the specific city and county where the property is located.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
If you’re buying a property that has been used as a short-term rental, don’t assume that the existing operation can automatically continue after the sale.
Before closing, buyers should consider checking:
- Whether the property is permitted or licensed for short-term rental use
- Whether local zoning allows the use
- Whether the property has any applicable occupancy or safety requirements
- Whether local taxes or registration requirements apply
- Whether the property’s HOA or condominium documents contain relevant restrictions
- Whether the current owner has complied with applicable regulations
Sellers should also make sure that information about the property’s current use is accurate and that any required permits or registrations are properly documented.