Washington Short-Term Rental Regulations

Last verified: 2026-04-04
TL;DR
Washington requires an STR permit — 2 types available (fees from $99) and the property must be your primary residence. Combined tax rate is 20.4%. Annual day limit: 90 days–unlimited (varies by permit type).
Disclaimer
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or regulatory advice. Short-term rental regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property or making investment decisions.
Key Requirements at a Glance
Permit ✓ Required — Basic Business License with Short-Term Rental Endorsement ($99) — See below for other permit types
Primary Residence ✓ Required
Annual Day Limit 90 days–unlimited (varies by permit type)
Tax Rate 20.4%
Max Penalty $6,000 per violation
Insurance $500,000 liability required

New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →

Permit & Licensing

Which permit type applies to you?

Basic Business License with Short-Term Rental Endorsement

FeeAmount
Initial cost$99
Renewal$99 / 2 years

The property must be your primary residence. This means investment properties are not eligible for this permit type.

Basic Business License with Short-Term Rental: Vacation Rental Endorsement

FeeAmount
Initial cost$99
Renewal$99 / 2 years

The property must be your primary residence. This means investment properties are not eligible for this permit type.

Application Process

Apply online via DC Short-Term Rental Licensing Platform; requires Clean Hands Certificate (within 30 days), proof of $500,000+ liability insurance, and HOA/condo attestation form if applicable

Note: Document requirements vary by permit type. See individual permit sections above for eligibility details.

Tax Obligations

TaxRateAuthority
DC Transient Lodging Tax (hotel accommodations) 15.95% DC Office of Tax and Revenue
DC Gross Receipts Tax on Transient Lodgings 4.45% DC Office of Tax and Revenue

Combined rate: 20.4% of gross rental income.

Collection: Booking services collect and remit on behalf of hosts

Filing: Monthly or quarterly; due by 20th of month following end of reporting period; file electronically via MyTax.DC.gov

Rental Limits

Washington annual day limit: 90 days–unlimited (varies by permit type).

Zoning & Restrictions

Allowed in any neighborhood or zone with valid license; must be owner's primary residence; investment properties and corporate-owned properties not eligible

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Operators must maintain at least $500,000 in liability insurance covering the property's use as a short-term rental.

Safety & Operating Requirements

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Hosts: $500 (first violation), $2,000 (second violation), $6,000 (third violation); Booking services: $1,000 per violation

Platform Requirements

Booking services must display license endorsement numbers in listings, refuse bookings for suspended licenses, submit monthly transaction reports, retain 2-year records, and collect/remit transient lodging taxes

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Washington:

  1. Determine your permit type. Washington has 2 permit types. Identify which applies to your property (Basic Business License with Short-Term Rental Endorsement, Basic Business License with Short-Term Rental: Vacation Rental Endorsement).
  2. Meet safety requirements. Unobstructed egress from the rental property. Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Portable fire extinguisher. 24-hour accessible phone number for emergencies. Post Short-Term Rental or Vacation Rental License conspicuously inside property. Records of each booking maintained for 2 years.
  3. Obtain liability insurance. $500,000 minimum.
  4. Apply for your STR permit. Submit application + $99 fee. See permit types above to determine which applies.
  5. Register for tax accounts. Set up hotel occupancy tax accounts with the city tax authority.
  6. Display your permit number. Include your permit/license number in all listings and advertisements.
  7. Collect and remit taxes. 20.4% on all bookings.
  8. Renew every 2 years. $99 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Washington?
Yes. Washington requires a short-term rental permit to operate an Airbnb or Vrbo, and there are 2 permit types. See the permit types above to find which applies to your property.
How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Washington?
A short-term rental permit in Washington costs $99.
Does Washington require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?
Yes. Every Washington permit type requires the property to be your primary residence, so investment or non-owner-occupied rentals generally are not eligible.
How many days a year can you short-term rent in Washington?
Washington's annual rental limit depends on the situation: 90 days–unlimited (varies by permit type).
What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Washington?
Short-term rental stays in Washington are subject to a combined 20.4% in lodging taxes. This combines 15.95% DC Transient Lodging Tax (hotel accommodations) + 4.45% DC Gross Receipts Tax on Transient Lodgings. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.
What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Washington?
Operating without a permit can cost up to $6,000.

Official Sources

  1. Operating a Short-Term Rental in the District of Columbia - DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
  2. Chapter 2. Short-term Rental Regulation - DC Law Library
  3. D.C. Law 22-307. Short-Term Rental Regulation Act of 2018 - DC Law Library
  4. § 30-201.02. Restrictions on Short-Term Rentals - DC Law Library
  5. OTR Tax Notice 2023-01: Sales and Use Tax Rate Increase on Transient Accommodations - DC Office of Tax and Revenue
  6. § 47-2202.01. Tax on Gross Receipts for Transient Lodgings or Accommodations - DC Law Library