ADU Rental Restrictions: Kent vs Seattle
How do adu rental restrictions rules compare between Kent, WA and Seattle, WA?
Kent and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Kent | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Rental | Unrestricted | Allowed, RRIO required |
| Short-Term Rental Law | RCW 64.37 | - |
| STR Insurance | $1M minimum | - |
| Rent Control | Preempted (RCW 35.21.830) | - |
| Landlord-Tenant | RCW 59.18 | - |
| Business Tax | Kent B&O + WA DOR | - |
| 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.
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.
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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