Host Presence Rule: Kirkland vs Seattle
How do host presence rule rules compare between Kirkland, WA and Seattle, WA?
Kirkland has fewer restrictions than Seattle.
Kirkland, WA
King County
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 Kirkland rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle SMC 6.600 STR Ordinance (2017) requires every host to hold a STR Operator License plus a regulatory license. Operators are limited to their primary residence plus one additional dwelling unit citywide.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kirkland | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Host on-site required | No (unincorporated) | - |
| Seattle rule | Primary residence only | - |
| State law | RCW 64.37 | - |
| Insurance minimum | $1 million liability | - |
| Code | - | SMC 6.600 |
| Effective | - | January 2019 |
| Unit cap | - | 2 dwelling units |
| STR tax | - | $14/night |
| Sales+lodging tax | - | ~15.6% |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kirkland 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.
Seattle FAQ
Can I run an Airbnb in a non-primary Seattle property?
Yes, but only one such unit beyond your primary residence. Seattle caps each operator at two STR units citywide. Additional units require selling or long-term renting.
Do I have to live on-site while guests are there?
No. SMC 6.600 does not require host presence. Whole-home rentals are allowed. The binding limit is the two-unit cap and licensing/tax obligations.
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