What should Renton hosts know about owner-occupancy is mandatory only if?

Owner-occupancy is mandatory ONLY if you rent to multiple separate parties (guest groups) at the same time.

What should Renton hosts know about a safety map/sign is required?

A safety map/sign is required in *every* bedroom used for short-term rental, not just the common area.

What are the key requirements for Renton hosts?

You must provide off-street parking; one extra space is required if the owner resides on-site.

What should Renton hosts know about short-term rentals are specifically exempt?

Short-term rentals are specifically exempt from the long-term Rental Registration Program, but the Business License is mandatory.

Renton, WA Short-Term Rental Regulations: A Complete Guide

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 12, 2026

Summary

Short-term rentals in Renton require a city business license and must adhere to strict safety map requirements, off-street parking rules, and occupancy limits.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 0 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Permit required
•Reporting required
•Safety standards required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Renton, you must obtain a standard city business license and register with the state. You can rent out your entire home without being present, but if you rent to multiple separate groups at once, you must live on the property. Every bedroom must have a posted safety map, and you must provide at least one off-street parking space for guests.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$125

Processing Time

2-3 weeks

Max Fine

$1,000

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Owner-occupancy is mandatory ONLY if you rent to multiple separate parties (guest groups) at the same time.
2.A safety map/sign is required in *every* bedroom used for short-term rental, not just the common area.
3.You must provide off-street parking; one extra space is required if the owner resides on-site.
4.Short-term rentals are specifically exempt from the long-term Rental Registration Program, but the Business License is mandatory.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Renton allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Townhouse, Condo, Apartment, Dwelling Unit.
•Renton: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Renton: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Renton does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements(12)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Renton: 1. Owner-occupancy is mandatory ONLY if you rent to multiple separate parties (guest groups) at the same time. 2. A safety map/sign is required in *every* bedroom used for short-term rental, not just the common area. 3. You must provide off-street parking; one extra space is required if the owner resides on-site. 4. Short-term rentals are specifically exempt from the long-term Rental Registration Program, but the Business License is mandatory.

Application Process(6)

•Renton STR permit - Step 3: Post Required Safety Signage. Create and post a safety map in every guest bedroom showing all exits, fire extinguishers, and gas shut-off valves. Required documents: Safety Floor Plan. Time: 1-2 days.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Renton charges a registration fee of $125 (annual).

Taxes(2)

•Renton charges a Special Hotel/Motel Tax of 0.02%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit Washington state and local lodging taxes for Renton hosts.
•Washington has a state sales tax of 0.065% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Renton enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Renton limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Renton limits STRs to a maximum of 12 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom
•Renton occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(2)

•Renton: A safety map/sign is required in *every* bedroom used for short-term rental, not just the common area.

Penalties(3)

•Renton enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Misdemeanor. Second offense: Misdemeanor. Third offense: Misdemeanor. Maximum fine: 1000. Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.
•Renton: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.

Exemptions(3)

•Renton: Short-term rentals are specifically exempt from the long-term Rental Registration Program, but the Business License is mandatory.
•Renton exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days).
•Renton: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Washington Markets

Lake Chelan

Washington

Moderate

Short-term rentals are strictly regulated in the City of Lake Chelan under Chapter 5.56 of the Municipal Code. Hosts must obtain an annual permit, adhere to a occupancy limit of 2 per bedroom plus 2, and maintain a local representative available 24/7.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Ocean Shores

Washington

Moderate

Ocean Shores requires all short-term rentals to obtain a specific STR license (Chapter 5.44) and a general city business license. Hosts are subject to a local 5% STR tax in addition to Washington state sales and lodging taxes.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Anacortes

Washington

Strict

Short-term rentals are permitted in the City of Anacortes subject to a mandatory land-use permit and annual renewal. While owners do not have to reside on-site, there is a limit of one STR permit per person or entity.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Walla Walla

Washington

Strict

Short-term rentals in the City of Walla Walla are regulated under Title 20.170, requiring a specific Land Use Permit and a safety inspection. The city distinguishes between owner-occupied (Type I) and non-owner occupied (Type II) rentals, with the latter subject to a strict one-per-block-face density limit.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Renton

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(6)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

Safety Requirements(2)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(3)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Washington Markets

Lake Chelan

Ocean Shores

Anacortes

Walla Walla

Renton

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Renton?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Renton?

3Are there occupancy or residency limits in Renton?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Renton?

Related Content

Other Washington Markets

Lake Chelan

Ocean Shores

Anacortes

Walla Walla