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Short-term rental rules

Running an Airbnb in Seattle, Washington

Seattle requires a short-term rental operator's licence and a business licence tax certificate, allowing an operator to run up to two units, one of which must be their primary residence. Guests pay per-night STR taxes plus combined sales and lodging tax.

8 of 13 fields confirmedLast checked 18 Jul 2026 Lodging tax in Seattle

The rules

Every field, with its source

Anything not confirmed on an official source shows as Verify with jurisdiction rather than a guess.

Licence or permit required
YesReported

A short-term rental operator's licence (75 USD per unit, annual) and a business licence tax certificate are required.

Source
Primary residence required
NoReported

Operators may run up to two dwelling units, one of which must be the operator's primary residence.

Source
Annual night cap
Verify with jurisdictionUnverified
Zoning restricted
Verify with jurisdictionUnverified
Permit number shown on listing
RequiredReported

Seattle requires the licence number to be displayed on advertisements.

Source
Register or apply
https://www.seattle.gov/business-regulations/short-term-rentalsReported
Source
Enforcement notes
An operator's licence permits a maximum of two units, one being the operator's primary residence; applications are handled through the Seattle Services Portal.Reported
Source

Check eligibility

Can you run each type of STR in Seattle?

A deterministic read of the cited rules for each common use type. When a governing rule is unknown, the verdict says so rather than guessing.

My primary residence (home-share)

Allowed with a permit

Short-term rentals are allowed in Seattle once you obtain the required licence and follow the rules below.

  • A short-term rental licence or registration is required before you list.
  • Register or apply here: https://www.seattle.gov/business-regulations/short-term-rentals
  • Your permit or registration number must appear on the listing itself.
  • An operator's licence permits a maximum of two units, one being the operator's primary residence; applications are handled through the Seattle Services Portal.

Confidence: high. You live there and rent it while away or rent a room.

A whole second home / investment property

Allowed with a permit

Short-term rentals are allowed in Seattle once you obtain the required licence and follow the rules below.

  • A short-term rental licence or registration is required before you list.
  • Register or apply here: https://www.seattle.gov/business-regulations/short-term-rentals
  • Your permit or registration number must appear on the listing itself.
  • An operator's licence permits a maximum of two units, one being the operator's primary residence; applications are handled through the Seattle Services Portal.

Confidence: high. A dedicated STR that is not your primary residence.

An ADU, basement or garage unit

Allowed with a permit

Short-term rentals are allowed in Seattle once you obtain the required licence and follow the rules below.

  • A short-term rental licence or registration is required before you list.
  • Register or apply here: https://www.seattle.gov/business-regulations/short-term-rentals
  • Your permit or registration number must appear on the listing itself.
  • An operator's licence permits a maximum of two units, one being the operator's primary residence; applications are handled through the Seattle Services Portal.

Confidence: high. An accessory dwelling on your property.

Unhosted, whole-unit, no owner on site

Allowed with a permit

Short-term rentals are allowed in Seattle once you obtain the required licence and follow the rules below.

  • A short-term rental licence or registration is required before you list.
  • Register or apply here: https://www.seattle.gov/business-regulations/short-term-rentals
  • Your permit or registration number must appear on the listing itself.
  • An operator's licence permits a maximum of two units, one being the operator's primary residence; applications are handled through the Seattle Services Portal.

Confidence: high. The strictest category in most cities.

LodgeDeck reports publicly available short-term rental rules and lodging tax rates and cites the source of each field. It is not legal or tax advice and it does not replace your own review. Ordinances and tax rates change often and automated collection can lag, so every field shows the source it came from and a confidence flag, and unconfirmed values are marked Unverified. Confirm with the jurisdiction before you rely on a rule or rate.

FAQ

Common questions about Seattle

Do I need a licence to run an Airbnb in Seattle?

Yes. Seattle requires a short-term rental licence or registration before you list. A short-term rental operator's licence (75 USD per unit, annual) and a business licence tax certificate are required.

Does a short-term rental have to be my primary residence in Seattle?

No. Seattle does not require the property to be your primary residence for all rental types. Operators may run up to two dwelling units, one of which must be the operator's primary residence.

Is there a night cap on short-term rentals in Seattle?

No annual night cap is confirmed for Seattle in our data. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Do I have to show my permit number on the listing in Seattle?

Yes. Seattle requires a valid permit or registration number to appear on the listing itself. Seattle requires the licence number to be displayed on advertisements.

What lodging tax will my guest pay in Seattle?

A guest pays roughly 10.35 percent combined lodging tax in Seattle. See the full lodging-tax breakdown for the state and local components.

See the lodging tax a guest pays in Seattle

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