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🏠 Short-Term Rentals/Host Presence Rule

Host Presence Rule: Bellevue vs Federal Way

How do host presence rule rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Federal Way, WA?

Bellevue and Federal Way have similar restriction levels.

Bellevue, WA

King County

Few Restrictions

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 Bellevue rules β†’

Federal Way, WA

King County

Few Restrictions

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 β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactBellevueFederal Way
Host on-site requiredNo (unincorporated)No (unincorporated)
Seattle rulePrimary residence onlyPrimary residence only
State lawRCW 64.37RCW 64.37
Insurance minimum$1 million liability$1 million liability

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Bellevue 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.

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