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Renton, WA Hotels & Lodging: Hotel Worker Retention (2026)

Some Restrictions

Verified 1 week ago|Source: Seattle Office of Labor Standards →

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Key Facts

Seattle code: SMC 14.25 to 14.28
Hotels covered: 60+ rooms
Retention period: 90 days
Origin: I-124, 2016

King County rule: Renton does not have its own ordinance for hotel worker retention. The rule below comes from King County and applies to Renton.

Summary

Several King County cities, including Seattle, require hotels to retain incumbent workers for a transition period when the property changes hands, modeled on Seattle's Hotel Employees Health and Safety Initiative passed in 2016.

Full Breakdown

Seattle voters passed Initiative 124 in 2016, replaced and expanded by 2019 Council legislation under SMC chapters 14.25 through 14.28. Among other protections, hotels with 60 or more rooms must offer continued employment to incumbent workers for 90 days when ownership or operator changes. Workers cannot be terminated without cause during the transition, except for performance reasons. Unincorporated King County does not have a general retention rule, but covered hotels in Seattle, SeaTac, and other cities are subject to retention and other protections. State labor law preempts wage but not retention rules.

Violations & Fines

Failing to provide retention offers, retaliating against retained workers, or terminating without cause during the 90-day window can trigger lawsuits, back pay, reinstatement, and civil penalties under city wage and labor laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does retention apply at all King County hotels?

No. Seattle's hotel labor laws apply to hotels of 60 or more rooms within Seattle. SeaTac has separate hospitality rules. Other cities and unincorporated King County do not have a general retention requirement.

Can a new owner replace staff for performance?

Yes, but only for documented just cause. The retention period requires offering continued employment for 90 days, with terminations limited to performance or misconduct grounds, similar to other retention statutes.

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Renton, WA Hotels & Lodging: Hotel Worker Retention (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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