A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide for Seattle Short-Term Rental Owners
Overview: Seattle Short-Term Rental Licensing
If you plan to operate a short-term rental in Seattle, licensing is one of the first requirements to understand. While the City’s rules are clearly defined, the process can feel unclear if you haven’t done it before.
This guide walks through:
What licenses are required
Key decisions you must make as an owner
Where responsibility lies, even if you hire a management company
This is evergreen, practical guidance. Regulations can change, so always confirm details with the City before applying.
*This article is general informational guidance only. It is not legal or tax advice.
Step 1: Short-Term Rental Operator License
Apply through the Seattle Services Portal once your business license is active.
What to know:
Issued per dwelling unit
$75 per unit, per year
Advertising or operating without this license can trigger enforcement
Step 2: RRIO Registration (If Required)
Seattle’s Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) often applies to non-primary-residence rentals.
RRIO may require:
Property registration
Periodic safety inspections
This step is commonly overlooked.
Step 3: Post Your License Number Everywhere
Your Short-Term Rental Operator License number must be clearly displayed on every listing, including Airbnb, VRBO, and direct booking sites.
This is one of the easiest compliance items for the City to verify.
Ongoing Owner Responsibilities
Licensing is not one-and-done. Owners remain responsible for:
Lodging and sales taxes (especially for direct bookings)
Annual renewals
Safety and habitability standards
Ongoing compliance and reporting
Additional state requirements may apply for multi-unit properties.
*A professional property manager will handle all of the above on your behalf.
Final Takeaway
Seattle allows short-term rentals—but deliberately. Owners who understand the rules early face fewer surprises later.
Even if you hire professional management, knowing the licensing framework puts you in a stronger position as an owner.
Key Links
Seattle Business License Tax Certificate: https://www.filelocal-wa.gov/
Seattle Short-Term Rental Operator License: https://services.seattle.gov/Portal/Customization/pages/strn.aspx
Washington LLC Registration (if applicable): https://www.sos.wa.gov/corporations-charities/business-entities/online-filing-instructions/start-domestic-wa-limited-liability-company-llc-online
How Staylocal Supports Owners
Seattle licenses the owner—not the manager. Our role is to reduce risk and operational burden once your property is live.
A few things we help with:
Occupancy and lodging tax setup and remittance
Ongoing compliance support and renewals
Full-service operations using hotel-grade systems
100% In-house team
Dynamic Pricing & Revenue Management
Full-time maintenance team
If you’re evaluating a Seattle short-term rental or want a more professional operating setup, we’re always happy to have a straightforward conversation - schedule a call.
Explore our Seattle Airbnb Short-term rental Management pricing and services pages, or use our Rental Income Calculator for a quick earning estimate (additionally we will provide a full market report specific to your property).
Helpful Links
Seattle Business License: https://www.filelocal-wa.gov/
Seattle Short-Term Rental License: https://services.seattle.gov/Portal/Customization/pages/strn.aspx
Washington LLC Registration (if needed):https://www.sos.wa.gov/corporations-charities/business-entities/online-filing-instructions/start-domestic-wa-limited-liability-company-llc-online