ADU Rental Restrictions: Bellevue vs Kent
How do adu rental restrictions rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Kent, WA?
Bellevue and Kent have similar restriction levels.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue allows long-term rental of ADUs without restriction. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) on ADUs are regulated under Bellevue's Residential Rental Regulations and the city's short-term rental framework. There is no cap on the number of long-term ADU tenants beyond standard occupancy and building-code limits.
View full Bellevue rules →Kent, WA
King County
Kent allows long-term rental of ADUs without restriction. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) must comply with Washington's statewide short-term rental act (RCW 64.37), including the $1 million liability insurance requirement, and operators must register for Kent business and utility taxes. Both the primary dwelling and the ADU may be rented under long-term leases simultaneously.
View full Kent rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Rental | Unrestricted | Unrestricted |
| Short-Term Rental | Requires registration | - |
| Rent Control | Preempted (RCW 35.21.830) | Preempted (RCW 35.21.830) |
| Landlord-Tenant Law | RCW 59.18 | - |
| Occupancy Limits | Per IRC / LUC 20.50 | - |
| Short-Term Rental Law | - | RCW 64.37 |
| STR Insurance | - | $1M minimum |
| Landlord-Tenant | - | RCW 59.18 |
| Business Tax | - | Kent B&O + WA DOR |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
Can I Airbnb my Bellevue ADU?
Yes, subject to Bellevue's short-term rental rules. You must register the property, collect and remit lodging and sales taxes, and meet life-safety standards. Check Bellevue's Residential Rental Regulations page for current STR registration requirements.
Can I rent both the house and the ADU?
Yes. Since Bellevue eliminated owner-occupancy in 2023, you may lease both the primary residence and the ADU to separate long-term tenants. Standard landlord-tenant rules under RCW 59.18 apply.
Kent FAQ
Can I Airbnb my Kent ADU?
Yes, subject to Washington's statewide short-term rental act (RCW 64.37). You must carry at least $1 million in liability insurance (or rent through a platform that provides equivalent coverage), post emergency information, register for Kent business and occupation tax, and collect state and local lodging taxes through the Washington Department of Revenue.
Can I rent both the house and the ADU at the same time?
Yes. Since Kent removed owner-occupancy through the June 2023 KCC 15.08.250 update, you may lease both the primary residence and the ADU to separate long-term tenants. The Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) governs both rentals, and Kent cannot cap rent because RCW 35.21.830 preempts municipal rent control.
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