Kirkland, WA

When deciding whether to become an Airbnb host, it is important for you to understand the laws in your region or city. As a platform and online marketplace we do not provide legal advice, but we want to provide resources that may help you better understand applicable laws and regulations. This list is not exhaustive, but it may give you a good start in understanding your local laws. If you have questions, visit the short-term rental homepage or other government agencies directly, or consult a local lawyer or tax professional.

Actions a host needs to take

• Step 1
  • Check to make sure you meet the requirements to apply for a short-term rental business license
    • Note: To host, you must be a property owner or an authorized agent occupying the property as a primary residence for at least 245 days a year to apply for a permit.
• Step 2
  • Register with the State of Washington Department of Revenue.
• Step 3
  • Then, hosts must apply for a business license with the City of Kirkland through the online business licensing portal. If you would like to fill out the application by hand, you can print out a form here.

After completing the required steps to host in Kirkland, it’s important that hosts stay up-to-date with the rules and requirements by visiting the City’s website.

Short-term rental regulations

Hosts in Kirkland are required to obtain a short-term rental business license to host short-term stays (fewer than 30 nights). See City’s website for more information on license requirements.

Additional requirements to obtain a short-term rental business license include:

1. The property owner, or an authorized agent, must occupy the property as a primary residence at least 245 days per year to enter into short-term rentals there.
2. A property manager living within 15 miles of the residence must be identified for those days when neither the owner nor an authorized agent are occupying the property.
3. The property owner must have a business license from the State of Washington.
4. The property owner (or authorized agent) also must complete and submit a business license application for the City of Kirkland, and pay licensing fees.
5. As part of the application, a declaration must be filled out and signed. If the applicant is not the owner, it must still be signed by the owner, as owners retain specified responsibilities in all events.

Additional information

Taxes

Lodging taxes for short-term rentals must be paid to the State of Washington, and those payments are the responsibility of the property owner.

Other Contracts and rules

It's also important to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo board or co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable.

Our commitment to your community

We are committed to working with local officials to clarify how local rules impact the community. We will continue to advocate for changes that will enable people to rent out their homes.