11/12/23 by Zack Saadioui
Seattle, Washington is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from around the world. With its vibrant culinary scene, breathtaking natural beauty, and thriving tech industry, it's no wonder that many people choose to visit Seattle. For those looking for more affordable accommodation options, Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms have become increasingly popular.
However, it's important to understand the extensive regulations and laws that govern Airbnb rentals in Seattle. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of becoming an Airbnb host in Seattle and complying with the city's laws.
Before you can start hosting on Airbnb in Seattle, you need to obtain a business license tax certificate from the Seattle Department of Finance and Administrative Services. This certificate is required for anyone operating a short-term rental in the city. If you already have a business license tax certificate, you can skip this step.
To get a business license tax certificate, you'll need to create an account with the Seattle Department of Finance and Administrative Services. Make sure you have your Unique Business Identifier (UBI) number ready. You can find a step-by-step guide on how to set up your account on the department's website.
Click here to access the document outlining the process of setting up your account.
The next step is to undergo a Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) inspection. This ordinance requires landlords to inspect and maintain their rental properties at least once every four years to ensure they meet health and safety standards. The inspection includes a visual inspection of the exterior and interior of the rental property and an evaluation of the rental unit's systems.
To register your rental property for RRIO, you'll need to look up your parcel number on the King County Assessor's website. Once you have your parcel number, you'll need to provide your contact information and the number of units on your property. You can find a detailed step-by-step breakdown on how to register your rental property for RRIO on the Seattle Department of Finance and Administrative Services website.
Click here to access the step-by-step guide on how to register a rental property for RRIO.
After you have registered your rental property, you'll need to schedule an inspection. You can either schedule a city inspector to conduct the inspection or hire a private inspector. City inspections cost $175 per property, while private inspections may have additional costs. Make sure your property passes the inspection and correct any safety and maintenance issues before the reinspection deadline provided in your letter.
Once you have completed the RRIO inspection, you can proceed to apply for the Short-Term Rental Regulatory License, also known as the Operator's License. This license is required for anyone operating a short-term rental in Seattle and costs $75 per unit. The license is valid for one year.
To apply for the Short-Term Rental Regulatory License, visit the Seattle Services Portal. Enter your license number and permit number, and we will take care of the rest. Please note that your Short-Term Rental License number must be posted on every listing advertising or offering your short-term rental unit on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Platforms may remove listings if the license number is not formatted correctly.
Once you have obtained your business license tax certificate, completed the RRIO inspection, and applied for the Short-Term Rental Regulatory License, you can leave the rest to us. Stay Flourish offers property management services in the Seattle area, taking care of the daily hassle of running your short-term rental units. With our team of on-staff cleaners, maintenance technicians, and local managers, we ensure that your property is well-maintained and your guests have a seamless experience.
By working with Stay Flourish, you can focus on enjoying the benefits of being an Airbnb host in Seattle without the stress of managing the day-to-day operations. We handle everything from cleaning and maintenance to guest communication and booking management, allowing you to maximize your rental income while maintaining compliance with Seattle's Airbnb laws.
Are you ready to take advantage of the thriving short-term rental market in Seattle? Contact Stay Flourish today for a free consultation and let us help you flourish as an Airbnb host!
Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information about Seattle, WA Airbnb laws. It is not intended as legal advice. For specific legal guidance, please consult with a qualified attorney.