Extended Home Share: Federal Way vs Seattle
How do extended home share rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Seattle, WA?
Federal Way and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Federal Way, WA
King County
Stays of 30 days or longer in any King County short-term rental convert the guest into a tenant under the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, RCW 59.18, regardless of whether a lease was signed or the platform classifies the stay as short-term.
View full Federal Way rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Stays of 30 days or longer in any King County short-term rental convert the guest into a tenant under the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, RCW 59.18, regardless of whether a lease was signed or the platform classifies the stay as short-term.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Federal Way | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Tenancy threshold | 30 days continuous | 30 days continuous |
| Governing statute | RCW 59.18 | RCW 59.18 |
| Lodging tax cutoff | After 30 nights | After 30 nights |
| Lockout penalty | Per-day damages + fees | Per-day damages + fees |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Federal Way FAQ
Can I evict a 35-day Airbnb guest by changing locks?
No. After 30 days the guest is a tenant under RCW 59.18. You must serve proper notice and obtain an unlawful detainer judgment from superior court.
Should I cap stays at 28 nights?
Many King County operators do exactly that to avoid tenancy formation. If you allow a 30-day stay, sign a written month-to-month lease at that point.
Seattle FAQ
Can I evict a 35-day Airbnb guest by changing locks?
No. After 30 days the guest is a tenant under RCW 59.18. You must serve proper notice and obtain an unlawful detainer judgment from superior court.
Should I cap stays at 28 nights?
Many King County operators do exactly that to avoid tenancy formation. If you allow a 30-day stay, sign a written month-to-month lease at that point.
Compare other topics
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