Bellevue allows long-term rental of ADUs without restriction. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) on ADUs are regulated under Bellevue's Residential Rental Regulations and the city's short-term rental framework. There is no cap on the number of long-term ADU tenants beyond standard occupancy and building-code limits.
Long-term ADU rentals (30 days or longer) are unrestricted under LUC 20.20.120 as amended in 2023. The owner-occupancy requirement that historically limited rental flexibility was repealed. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are governed separately. Bellevue requires short-term rental operators to register, pay applicable lodging and sales taxes, and meet life-safety standards. Operating an ADU as a short-term rental is permitted but must comply with the city's STR rules, including any cap on operators who do not live on-site. Both the primary dwelling and the ADU may be rented to different tenants simultaneously under long-term leases. Maximum occupancy is set by the WA State Building Code (WAC 51-51 adopting the IRC) and by household-definition rules in LUC 20.50. Standard landlord-tenant duties under RCW 59.18 (Residential Landlord-Tenant Act) apply. Bellevue does not have rent control; state law (RCW 35.21.830) currently prohibits municipal rent control.
Operating an unregistered short-term rental triggers civil penalties under the Residential Rental Regulations program and back-tax assessments. Long-term rental violations (e.g., habitability, illegal eviction) are enforced under RCW 59.18. Unpermitted ADU rental of a unit that lacks final occupancy sign-off is a separate LUC 20.40 violation with daily fines up to $500.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle adu rental restrictions.
See how Bellevue's adu rental restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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