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🏠 Short-Term Rentals/Host Presence Rule

Host Presence Rule: Federal Way vs Renton

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

Federal Way and Renton have similar restriction levels.

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†’

Renton, 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 Renton rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactFederal WayRenton
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.

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.

Renton 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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