What should Tacoma hosts know about if you have an adu?

If you have an ADU, you can only rent either the main house or the ADU as an STR, not both simultaneously.

What should Tacoma hosts know about owner occupancy is required for?

Owner occupancy is required for room-only rentals and ADUs.

What are the key requirements for Tacoma hosts?

Washington state law requires $1M in liability insurance, which must be verified regardless of platform coverage.

What should Tacoma hosts know about the 12.3% tax rate includes?

The 12.3% tax rate includes 10.3% combined sales tax and a 2% special lodging tax.

Tacoma, WA Short-Term Rental Regulations & Requirements

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Eligibility5 rules

Tacoma does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
Tacoma allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Tenants must have written permission from the property owner and comply with all business licensing requirements.
Tacoma allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Condo, Townhouse, ADU, Apartment.

Requirements12 rules

Tacoma STR warning: If you have an ADU, you can only rent either the main house or the ADU as an STR, not both simultaneously.
Tacoma requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: $1,000,000. Per Washington State Law RCW 64.37.050, operators must maintain $1M liability insurance or ensure the platform provides such coverage.

Application process8 rules

Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Tacoma: Step 1: Obtain Washington State Business License - Register with the WA Department of Revenue to receive a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number. Documents needed: Personal Identification, Business Entity Information. Estimated time: 1 week. Cost: 50. More info: https://dor.wa.gov/open-business Step 2: Apply for Tacoma City Business License - Register your rental business with the Tacoma Tax and License office. Fees are based on projected annual gross income. Documents needed: UBI Number, Property Address, Owner Contact Info. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. Cost: 110. More info: https://www.cityoftacoma.org/government/city_departments/finance/tax_and_license/business_license Step 3: Transient Accommodation License (if applicable) - If renting 3 or more individual rooms within a dwelling, you must apply for a specific Regulatory License. Documents needed: Floor Plan, Proof of Safety Compliance. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 75. More info: https://www.cityoftacoma.org/government/city_departments/finance/tax_and_license/business_license/business_license_fees Step 4: Safety Self-Certification - Ensure the property meets all safety requirements, including smoke/CO detectors and fire extinguishers, and post required emergency information. Documents needed: Safety Checklist. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://tacomapermits.org/tip-sheet-index/short-term-rentals

Fees & costs2 rules

Tacoma charges a registration fee of $110 (annual).
Tacoma: Washington state law requires $1M in liability insurance, which must be verified regardless of platform coverage.

Taxes3 rules

Tacoma 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 generally collect and remit state and local lodging taxes.
Tacoma: The 12.3% tax rate includes 10.3% combined sales tax and a 2% special lodging tax.
Washington has a state sales tax of 0.065% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions3 rules

Tacoma occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Tacoma limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
Tacoma enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.

Safety requirements1 rule

Tacoma requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Floor plan indicating fire exits, Conspicuous posting of emergency contact info, Compliance with Minimum Building and Structures Code (TMC Title 2).

Penalties2 rules

Tacoma enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Warning. Second offense: $250 fine. Third offense: $500 fine. Maximum fine: 1000. Permit may be revoked for violations.
Tacoma: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions2 rules

Tacoma exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
Tacoma: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

Tacoma

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Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently asked questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Tacoma?

3Are there rental night limits in Tacoma?

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

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