How to get a short-term rental permit in Seattle, WA (2026)
Seattle requires Short-Term Rental Regulatory License (Operator's License) — the fee is $75, renewed annual. Here's how to get and keep it.
Permit at a glance
| Permit required | Yes |
|---|---|
| Permit name | Short-Term Rental Regulatory License (Operator's License) |
| Permit fee | $75 |
| Renewal | Annual |
Step by step
- 1
Confirm your property is eligible
Confirm the property's zoning allows short-term rentals. STRs are allowed in most lawfully established dwelling units citywide (houses, condos, apartments, ADUs/DADUs). The Land Use Code (SMC 23.42.060, effective Jan. 2018) prohibits STRs in non-dwelling spaces (RVs, tents, garages, boats), live-work units, caretaker's quarters in commercial/industrial buildings, and floating on-water/waterfront residences where the Shoreline Code prohibits lodging. Operators must own their units: renters may not obtain STR operator licenses except legacy operators living in the Downtown Urban Core whose units operated before Sept. 30, 2017. Legacy units legally operating before Sept. 30, 2017 (documented via a rental registry) qualify for limited zone-based exceptions to the two-unit cap. Seattle has no annual night cap and no citywide minimum-stay rule; a stay of fewer than 30 consecutive nights is what defines an STR.
- 2
Apply for the Short-Term Rental Regulatory License (Operator's License)
Submit the Short-Term Rental Regulatory License (Operator's License) application to Seattle and pay the $75 fee. $75 per unit, valid one year. A Seattle business license tax certificate is also required before applying (fee varies by gross revenue; Airbnb's Seattle guide cites $55/year). Units that are not the operator's primary residence (or a portion of it) must also be registered under the Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO). Bed-and-breakfasts that list on STR platforms need a separate $75/year B&B operator's license. Platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.) pay their own quarterly license fee of $4.00 per night booked; this is charged to platforms, not hosts.
- 3
Register for occupancy taxes
Register to collect and remit the applicable lodging/occupancy taxes for Seattle. Some are collected automatically by the booking platform and some you may need to remit yourself.
- 4
Renew on schedule
The permit renews annual — set a reminder so it never lapses, since operating on an expired permit typically triggers fines.
STR rules change without warning.
Get an email the moment Seattle changes its short-term rental rules — plus renewal reminders before your permit expires.
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Verified July 12, 2026. Informational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Permit requirements and fees change; confirm current requirements with Seattle before applying.