Occupancy Limits: Bellevue vs Renton
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Renton, WA?
Bellevue and Renton have similar restriction levels.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue caps STR occupancy per IRC habitability rules and LUC 20.20.800. Industry standard is two guests per bedroom plus two additional. Multi-family STR uses cannot exceed 5 units or 20% of a building.
View full Bellevue rules →Renton, WA
King County
RMC 4-4-055 caps short-term rental occupancy at 2 guests per bedroom plus the owner or host family. Units must comply with International Property Maintenance Code room size standards under RMC 4-5-130.
View full Renton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom Min | 70 sq ft first; 50 sq ft add | - |
| Ceiling Min | 7 feet | - |
| Typical Formula | 2 per bedroom + 2 | - |
| MF Use Cap | 5 units or 20% | - |
| Code | LUC 20.20.800; IRC | - |
| Limit | - | 2 guests per bedroom |
| Owner Family | - | Counted separately when owner-occupied |
| Bedroom Standard | - | IPMC, RMC 4-5-130 |
| Room Minimum | - | 70 sq ft for 1 occupant |
| Alarms | - | Smoke and CO required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
How many guests can stay in a Bellevue Airbnb?
Occupancy is typically set at two guests per legal bedroom plus two additional, subject to IRC minimum square footage per bedroom and any house rules posted by the operator.
Are parties allowed at Bellevue short-term rentals?
House rules must state the maximum guest count, and events that exceed it are prohibited. Excess-occupancy events can be grounds for registration enforcement.
Renton FAQ
Can I rent my Renton 2-bedroom to 6 adults?
No. RMC 4-4-055 caps occupancy at 2 per bedroom, so a true 2-bedroom may only host 4 unrelated guests (plus the resident owner's family if owner-occupied).
Does my finished basement count as a bedroom?
Only if it has a permitted egress window, meets IPMC room dimensions under RMC 4-5-130, and has smoke and CO alarms per the fire code.
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