Kirkland, WA Short-Term Rentals: Permit Requirements (2026)

Kirkland regulates short-term rentals defined as lodging of a dwelling unit or portion thereof for fewer than 30 consecutive nights, following Ordinance O-4755 and the Washington Short-Term Rental Act (RCW 64.37). Operators must obtain a City of Kirkland business license through the FileLocal portal and a Washington State business license with the Department of Revenue, collecting and remitting Retail Sales Tax, the state Lodging Tax, and King County excise taxes. The zoning code permits short-term rentals in residential zones only when the operator occupies the dwelling as a primary residence, with non-owner-occupied short-term rentals subject to additional standards and typically limited to commercial or mixed-use zones. Operators must provide the City with 24/7 emergency contact information, display the business license number in listings, and keep guest records for at least one year. Each unit must meet building and fire code requirements including working smoke alarms in every bedroom, carbon monoxide alarms near sleeping areas, a fire extinguisher, and posted emergency information including the street address, emergency services telephone number, and evacuation map. Operators are prohibited from renting accessory structures not permitted as sleeping quarters, and any advertising must include the City business license number and maximum occupancy. Violation of short-term rental rules may result in fines and revocation of the business license.