Short-Term Rental Regulations in Washington (WA)
Washington has a moderate level of short-term rental regulation. Some restrictions. STR operators must register with the state. No state-level license is needed. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit taxes. Washington HB 1798 (2024) established a statewide STR registry. Operators must register with the state. Platforms must collect and remit state and local lodging taxes. Cities may enact their own regulations. Seattle has a significant STR ordinance.
Full Requirements Summary
Washington has 1 key regulatory requirement at the state level. The table below summarizes all state-level STR regulations. Note that individual cities may have additional requirements beyond what the state mandates.
| Requirement | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| STRs Allowed | Yes | Short-term rentals are legal |
| Statewide Law | Yes | State has specific STR legislation |
| Registration Required | Yes | Must register with state/local authority |
| License Required | No | No state-level license |
| Primary Residence Only | No | Investment properties allowed |
| Maximum Nights/Year | No limit | No annual night limit at state level |
| Minimum Stay | No minimum | No minimum stay requirement |
| Host Presence Required | No | Un-hosted stays allowed |
| Insurance Required | No | No state insurance mandate |
| Safety Inspection | No | No state-required inspection |
| Platform Tax Collection | Yes | Platforms collect and remit taxes |
City-Level STR Regulations in Washington
STR regulations vary by city within Washington. The table below shows restriction levels and local notes for 5 cities. City-level rules may be more or less restrictive than the state average.
| City | Restriction Level | Local Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | Heavy | STR operator's license required. Must be primary residence for most STRs. Platform accountability required. Lodging tax ~15.6% combined. Must display license number. |
| Tacoma | Moderate | STR registration required. Zoning compliance. Lodging tax applies. |
| Leavenworth | Moderate | Tourist town. STR permits required. Lodging tax. Cap on STR permits in some zones. |
| San Juan Islands | Moderate | County STR permits required. Vacation rental market. Lodging tax. Some zones restrict STRs. |
| Spokane | Light | STR registration required. Lodging tax applies. Less restrictive than Seattle. |
How Washington Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Washington with five states that have similar STR regulation levels. This helps illustrate where Washington stands nationally in terms of short-term rental friendliness.
| State | Restriction Level | Registration | License | Night Cap | Platform Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington (WA) | Moderate | Yes | No | No limit | Yes |
| Colorado (CO) | Moderate | No | No | No limit | Yes |
| Florida (FL) | Moderate | Yes | Yes | No limit | Yes |
| Georgia (GA) | Moderate | No | No | No limit | Yes |
| Illinois (IL) | Moderate | No | No | No limit | Yes |
| Louisiana (LA) | Moderate | Yes | Yes | No limit | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington STR Regulations
Can I legally operate an Airbnb in Washington?
Yes, short-term rentals are legal in Washington. You must register with the state. The state's overall restriction level is moderate. Always check your local city and county regulations before listing.
Do I need a permit or license for an Airbnb in Washington?
Washington does not require a state-level STR license. However, registration with the state is required. Individual cities in Washington may have their own permit requirements even if the state does not mandate one. Check the city-level details above for specifics.
Does Airbnb collect taxes in Washington?
Yes, Washington has a platform accountability law. Airbnb and other platforms collect and remit applicable state and/or local taxes on behalf of hosts. Always verify your tax obligations with your local tax authority.
Which city in Washington has the strictest Airbnb rules?
Among the cities we track, Seattle has the most restrictive STR regulations in Washington with a heavy restriction level. STR operator's license required. Must be primary residence for most STRs. Platform accountability required. Lodging tax ~15.6% combined. Must display license number.
Where can I find the most current STR rules for Washington?
STR regulations change frequently. For the most current information, check your Washington state legislature website, your city or county clerk's office, or your local planning/zoning department. Our data reflects regulations as of early 2026, but always verify before listing a property.
Check Another State or City
Use our STR regulation lookup tool to find the exact rules for your specific city in Washington, or browse all 50 states to compare short-term rental friendliness across the country. Remember: city-level rules often differ significantly from the state-level picture.