Redmond's Short-Term Rentals: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In Redmond, Washington, there are 8 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Noise Rules

Redmond STRs must follow RMC 6.36 noise limits: 55 dBA day (7 AM-10 PM) and 45 dBA night. Hosts must provide a local contact who responds to complaints within one hour.

Key details: Daytime Limit: 55 dBA. Nighttime Limit: 45 dBA. Code: RMC 6.36. Host Response: 1 hour required. Police: 425-556-2500.

Noise violation: civil fine up to $100 per incident under RMC 6.26.040. Repeat STR noise incidents can lead to license revocation under RMC 5.04.

Parking Rules

Redmond STR parking follows residential zoning (usually 2 off-street spaces). Street parking is allowed under RMC 10.16 with a 72-hour move rule; hosts should not rely on streets as primary capacity.

Key details: Residential Standard: 2 off-street spaces typical. Street Rule: Move every 72 hours. Oversized Vehicles: Restricted RMC 10.16. HOA Property: Check CC&Rs. Code: RMC 10.16 + RZC.

Blocking sidewalk or hydrant: parking infraction under RMC 10.16 and state law. Abandoned vehicle (72 hours): towable under RMC 10.16. Fire lane blocking: additional fire code penalty.

Occupancy Limits

Redmond applies the Washington State Building Code and IRC to STR occupancy. A common guideline is 2 persons per bedroom plus 2. Hosts must not exceed lawful occupancy or safe egress capacity.

Key details: Standard Rule: 2 per bedroom + 2. Governs: WA Building Code / IRC. Each Bedroom: Egress window required. State Safety Duty: RCW 64.37. HOA: May impose stricter limits.

Over-occupancy or unsafe dwelling: building code violation enforceable under RMC 15.04 and state law. Fire code overcrowding: fire marshal enforcement.

Night Caps

Redmond does not cap the number of STR nights per year. Hosts may operate year-round subject to licensing, tax, insurance, and zoning compliance. HOAs may impose their own caps.

Key details: City Night Cap: None. State Night Cap: None. Year-Round: Permitted. HOA: May impose caps. Seattle Rule: Does not apply.

No city-level night cap violation. HOA night cap violations are civil matters enforceable by the association.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Redmond gives residents more flexibility on night caps.

Registration Rules

Redmond STR hosts register via the Redmond Business Licensing Division, the WA DOR for lodging tax, and comply with RCW 64.37 safety disclosure rules. The city license renews annually.

Key details: City Registration: Redmond Business License. State Registration: WA DOR My DOR. Safety Disclosure: RCW 64.37 required. Renewal: Annual. Contact: Redmond (425) 556-2900.

Operating without registration: civil penalty up to $500 per day under RMC 1.14. Failure to disclose safety info: state violation under RCW 64.37.

This is one of the stricter rules in Redmond's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Taxes & Fees

Redmond STRs must collect WA state sales tax (6.5%), combined local sales tax (~10.2%), and state lodging tax under RCW 67.28. Airbnb and Vrbo auto-collect most taxes; hosts verify and hold a city license.

Key details: State Sales Tax: 6.5%. Combined Local: ~10.2%. State Lodging Tax: RCW 67.28. Platforms Collect: Airbnb, Vrbo most taxes. Direct Bookings: Host must remit.

Failure to remit lodging tax: state Department of Revenue assessment with interest and penalties. Operating without a city business license: civil penalty up to $500 per day.

Compared to other cities, Redmond takes a harder line on taxes & fees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Insurance Requirements

Redmond STR hosts must carry at least $1 million in liability insurance under RCW 64.37.030. Coverage can come from a personal STR policy or qualifying platform coverage like Airbnb AirCover.

Key details: Minimum Coverage: $1,000,000 liability. State Law: RCW 64.37.030. Platform Option: AirCover, Vrbo liability. Direct Bookings: STR commercial policy needed. Standard Homeowner: Typically excludes STR.

Failure to carry required insurance: state law violation under RCW 64.37.030. Potential business license denial or revocation by Redmond.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Redmond actively enforces its insurance requirements requirements.

Permit Requirements

Redmond STR hosts (rentals 30 days or less) need a city business license, Washington DOR lodging tax registration, and must comply with RCW 64.37 insurance and safety rules.

Key details: Stay Threshold: 30 days or less. State Law: RCW 64.37. Insurance: $1M minimum liability. City License: Required. Response Time: 1 hour local contact.

Operating without required license or registration: civil penalty up to $500 per day under RMC 1.14. Unpaid lodging tax: state Department of Revenue enforcement.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Redmond actively enforces its permit requirements requirements.

The Bottom Line

Redmond is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 8 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Redmond, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Redmond's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.