Kent, WA Accessory Structures: ADU Rental Restrictions (2026)

Long-term ADU rentals (30 days or longer) are unrestricted under KCC 15.08.250 following the June 2023 update that repealed the owner-occupancy requirement. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are governed primarily by Washington's statewide short-term rental act, RCW Chapter 64.37, which requires every STR operator to maintain at least $1 million in liability insurance (or to operate through a hosting platform that provides equivalent coverage), provide guests with posted contact information, install smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms, and post emergency egress information and a floor plan. Operators must register for Kent business and occupation tax with the city's Finance Department and collect Washington state and local lodging taxes through the Washington Department of Revenue. Both the primary house and the ADU may operate as separate long-term rentals simultaneously. Maximum occupancy is set by the Washington State Building Code (WAC 51-51 / IRC) and by the household-definition rules in KCC Title 15. Washington law (RCW 35.21.830) preempts municipal rent control, so Kent does not cap rents. Landlord-tenant duties for long-term rentals are governed by the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18), which sets habitability, deposit, and eviction standards.