ADU Rental Restrictions: Bellevue vs Seattle
How do adu rental restrictions rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Seattle, WA?
Bellevue and Seattle 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 →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle limits short-term rentals (under 30 days) of ADUs to two units per operator under SMC 6.600 — typically the operator's primary residence plus one additional dwelling. ADUs rented short-term must hold a Seattle short-term rental operator license and the rental-platform license. Long-term ADU rentals require RRIO registration under SMC 22.214 but have no minimum term.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Rental | Unrestricted | Allowed, RRIO required |
| Short-Term Rental | Requires registration | - |
| Rent Control | Preempted (RCW 35.21.830) | - |
| Landlord-Tenant Law | RCW 59.18 | - |
| Occupancy Limits | Per IRC / LUC 20.50 | - |
| STR Unit Cap | - | 2 per operator |
| Operator License | - | Required ($75/unit/yr) |
| Lodging Tax | - | 8% (state collected) |
| Code Section | - | SMC 6.600 |
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.
Seattle FAQ
Can I rent my Seattle ADU on Airbnb?
Yes, but only as one of your two allowed short-term rental units per SMC 6.600.080. You also need a Seattle short-term rental operator license ($75/unit/yr), a business license, and you must collect/remit 8% lodging tax.
Do I need a license to rent my ADU long-term in Seattle?
Yes, but it's just RRIO registration (SMC 22.214). Pay $70 per property per 5-year cycle and your ADU must pass a rental inspection at least once every 10 years.
What is the minimum lease term for an ADU rental?
There is no minimum lease term for long-term rentals. Anything under 30 days is classified as a short-term rental under SMC 6.600 and falls under the 2-unit operator cap and licensing rules.
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