Permit Requirements: Auburn vs Kent
How do permit requirements rules compare between Auburn, WA and Kent, WA?
Auburn has fewer restrictions than Kent.
Auburn, WA
King County
Auburn requires short-term rental operators to obtain a City business license and register with the Washington State Department of Revenue. Hosting platforms like Airbnb collect state lodging taxes.
View full Auburn rules →Kent, WA
King County
Kent requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with RCW 64.37, which mandates liability insurance, guest safety info, and contact registration.
View full Kent rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| City business license | Required | - |
| State law | RCW 64.37 | - |
| Rental threshold | Under 30 days | - |
| Safety requirements | Smoke/CO detectors, extinguisher | - |
| Lodging tax | State and local apply | - |
| State Law | - | RCW 64.37 |
| Minimum Liability Insurance | - | $1 million |
| Kent License | - | Business license required |
| Tax Registration | - | WA DOR required |
| Rental Duration | - | Under 30 days |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
Do I need a special Auburn STR permit?
Auburn requires a general business license rather than a dedicated STR permit. You must also comply with state registration requirements under RCW 64.37.
Does Airbnb handle my taxes?
Airbnb collects and remits Washington state sales and lodging taxes. You are still responsible for city business license fees and compliance.
Kent FAQ
Do I need a permit to rent my home short-term in Kent?
Yes. A Kent business license is required and operators must comply with RCW 64.37 including liability insurance and tax registration.
What counts as a short-term rental?
A fee-based lodging arrangement of less than 30 consecutive days, typically via Airbnb, VRBO, or similar platforms.
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