A Guide to Short-Term Rental Licensing in Seattle

Getting Started

Before embarking on your journey as an Airbnb host or expanding your short-term rental business under the Homely brand in Seattle, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the city's extensive regulations. Understanding the licensing requirements and complying with the necessary steps will help you operate legally and ensure a successful venture. In this blog post, we will provide a step-by-step guide to obtaining the required licenses and permits for your Homely short-term rentals.

Step 1: Obtain a Business License Tax Certificate

To begin, all Airbnb hosts must obtain a business license from the Seattle Department of Finance and Administrative Services. Additionally, you must register with the Department of Finance and Administrative Services' Short-Term Rental Unit. If you already have a business license tax certificate, you can skip this step. Here's how to obtain a business license tax certificate:

1. Create an account with FileLocal and enter your information.

2. Make sure to have your UBI (Unique Business Identifier) number ready.

3. Refer to this document from FileLocal for a step-by-step guide on setting up your account: Click Here

Step 2: Undergo an RRIO Inspection

All short-term rental units must undergo an RRIO inspection, as mandated by the Seattle ordinance. This inspection ensures that rental properties are properly maintained and meet health and safety standards. If your property has previously undergone a long-term rental inspection, you can request the inspection report from your property manager. Here's how to proceed with the RRIO inspection:

1. Visit the Seattle Services Portal and select RRIO.

2. Look up your parcel number on the King County Assessor website.

3. Provide the necessary contact information and indicate the number of units on your property.

4. Follow this detailed guide on how to register a rental property for RRIO: Click Here

5. To schedule an inspection, you can choose either a City inspection or hire a private inspector. Private inspections come with additional processing fees.

- For a City inspector, call (206) 684-4110 and select option 3.

- To hire a private inspector, refer to the list provided by the City HERE

Step 3: Apply for an STR Regulatory License

Return to the Seattle Services Portal and scroll down to "Licenses - Short Term Rentals." This is where you will apply for the regulatory license for your Homely short-term rentals. Follow the detailed step-by-step breakdown provided by the City of Seattle to set up your regulatory license. The fee for this license is $75 per unit, and it is valid for one year.

Step 4: Homely Property Management Services

Homely offers comprehensive property management services in the Seattle area, ensuring a hassle-free experience for hosts. Our dedicated team of cleaners, maintenance technicians, and local managers is here to support you. If you have a property in Seattle, we offer a free consultation to assess your property and provide personalized recommendations.

Once you provide us with your rental license number and permit number, we will ensure that your Homely STR listings are in compliance with the regulations. Remember that Short-Term Rental Operator Licenses must be posted on all your listings in the specified format: STR-OPLI-##-###### (e.g., STR-OPLI-21-000123). Platforms may remove listings that do not adhere to this formatting requirement.

Disclaimer:

While this blog post aims to provide you with valuable information about short-term rental licensing in Seattle, it does not constitute legal advice. We encourage you to consult with professionals or relevant authorities for specific guidance tailored to your situation. Homely is not responsible for any decisions or actions taken based on the information provided in this post.