Host Presence Rule: Auburn vs Federal Way
How do host presence rule rules compare between Auburn, WA and Federal Way, WA?
Auburn and Federal Way have similar restriction levels.
Auburn, WA
King County
King County does not impose a hosted-only rule for short-term rentals in unincorporated areas. Hosts may rent entire dwellings without being on-site, subject to King County Code and Washington state STR transparency requirements under RCW 64.37.
View full Auburn rules →Federal Way, WA
King County
King County does not impose a hosted-only rule for short-term rentals in unincorporated areas. Hosts may rent entire dwellings without being on-site, subject to King County Code and Washington state STR transparency requirements under RCW 64.37.
View full Federal Way rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Federal Way |
|---|---|---|
| Host on-site required | No (unincorporated) | No (unincorporated) |
| Seattle rule | Primary residence only | Primary residence only |
| State law | RCW 64.37 | RCW 64.37 |
| Insurance minimum | $1 million liability | $1 million liability |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
Can I rent my whole cabin near Snoqualmie unhosted?
Yes, if it sits in unincorporated King County. You must still meet RCW 64.37 insurance and contact-posting rules and pay lodging taxes.
Does Seattle allow unhosted STRs?
Only at the host's primary residence or one additional dwelling unit, both of which require a Seattle short-term rental operator's license under SMC 6.600.
Federal Way FAQ
Can I rent my whole cabin near Snoqualmie unhosted?
Yes, if it sits in unincorporated King County. You must still meet RCW 64.37 insurance and contact-posting rules and pay lodging taxes.
Does Seattle allow unhosted STRs?
Only at the host's primary residence or one additional dwelling unit, both of which require a Seattle short-term rental operator's license under SMC 6.600.
Compare other topics
See how Auburn and Federal Way compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool