Kent Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Kent, Washington?

To operate a short term rental in Kent, hosts must obtain a business license and comply with zoning regulations that limit rentals to a host's principal residence with a maximum of 3 rented rooms. Non-principal residence properties require rezoning approval.

All hosts must collect and pay state lodging and city transient occupancy taxes. Kent also requires hosts to provide contact information, have someone available 24/7 during guest stays, and give renters a copy of the noise ordinance. Fines for violations can range from $250-$500.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Kent

To launch a successful short-term rental (STR) business in Kent, Washington, follow these steps:

Determine if your property's zoning allows short-term rentals: Ensure that your property's zoning aligns with the city's regulations for short-term rentals1.

Apply for a business license: Obtain a valid business license from the city. The initial fee is $51, with a $30 renewal fee1.

Register with the state: Register with the state and obtain an Unified Business Identifier (IBU) number1.

Comply with regulations: Adhere to the city's regulations, such as limiting stays to 30 consecutive nights, paying the city business license fee, and collecting and paying state lodging and city transient occupancy taxes2.

Provide required documents: Offer guests a copy of the city's noise ordinance and ensure that someone is available 24/7 during their stay1.

By following these steps, you can establish a short-term rental business in Kent and enjoy the benefits of this growing market.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Kent

In Kent, Washington, individuals seeking to engage in short-term rental (STR) activities must adhere to specific licensing requirements and regulations. The city has implemented new ordinances to govern this type of accommodation, aiming to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors alike. To operate an STR in Kent, hosts must obtain a valid business license, which needs to be renewed annually.

The initial licensing fee is $51, with a $30 renewal fee. Non-principal residence properties require rezoning approval. Additionally, hosts are required to provide guest contact information, comply with building and safety codes, maintain liability insurance, and limit stays to 30 consecutive nights1234.

The city also imposes taxes on short-term rentals, including a state lodging tax of 1% on the overnight rate and a transient occupancy tax of $2 per night booked. Furthermore, Kent strictly enforces licensing and zoning regulations for short-term rentals, with fines for violations ranging from $250 to $500. The overall sentiment is that Kent takes a moderate approach compared to cities with stricter regulations45.

To start an STR business in Kent, individuals should follow these steps:

• Determine if the property's zoning allows short-term rentals.
• Apply for a business license from the city.
• Register with the state and obtain an IBU (Unified Business Identifier) number4.

Required Documents for Kent Short Term Rentals

To operate a short-term rental (STR) in Kent, Washington, hosts must provide specific documents and comply with regulations. The following documents and requirements are necessary for Kent short-term rental operators:

Contact Information for a Responsible Party: Hosts must provide contact information for a responsible party who is available 24/7 during the guest's stay. This is essential for addressing any inquiries or issues that may arise during the rental period6.

Copy of the City's Noise Ordinance: Hosts are required to furnish renters with a copy of the city's noise ordinance. This is to ensure that guests are aware of and adhere to the local regulations regarding noise levels, thereby maintaining a peaceful environment for neighboring residents6.

Compliance with Zoning Regulations: Hosts must ensure that their property complies with the zoning regulations for short-term rentals. Non-principal residence properties require rezoning approval, and the property must be the host's principal residence16.

Licensing and Tax Compliance: All hosts must collect and pay state lodging tax (1% of the rental rate) and city transient occupancy taxes. Additionally, hosts are required to obtain a valid business license, which must be renewed annually, and comply with the associated fees and requirements6.

Failure to adhere to these regulations may result in fines ranging from $250 to $5006. By providing these documents and fulfilling the necessary requirements, hosts can ensure that their short-term rental business in Kent operates in compliance with local regulations and contributes to a positive experience for guests and the community.

Kent Short Term Rental Taxes

In Kent, Washington, short-term rental hosts are required to collect and pay specific taxes as part of their operating costs. These taxes include:

State Lodging Tax: This tax is charged at 1% of the rental rate for each night a guest stays12.

Transient Occupancy Tax: This tax is charged at $2 per night booked for each guest12.

It is essential for hosts to collect and pay these taxes to avoid fines and penalties. Failure to do so can result in fines ranging from $250 to $5002.

To ensure compliance, hosts should keep detailed records of their rental transactions and payments, and they may consider using a tax management service or software to help track and remit the required taxes.

Washington State Wide Short Term Rental Rules

Washington State has enacted Chapter 64.37 RCW, which provides uniform requirements for short-term rentals. According to this chapter, short-term rental operators must maintain primary liability insurance to cover the short-term rental dwelling unit in the aggregate of not less than one. The chapter also requires short-term rental operators to provide contact information to all short-term rental guests during their stay and ensure that their short-term rental is in compliance with RCW 19.27.5301.

The state of Washington also has specific rules for short-term rental platforms. No short-term rental platform may engage in business in the state of Washington unless the platform is registered with the department. Short-term rental operators must also meet all applicable state and county health regulations and have a business license tax certificate from the Finance & Administrative Services. All short-term rentals must meet new requirements for a regulatory license, and the state Department of Health may also require operators to get a transient accommodation license. The state Department of Revenue also requires short-term rental operators to collect and pay state lodging tax3.

It is important to note that while Washington State has enacted uniform requirements for short-term rentals, individual cities may have their own regulations. For example, in Kent, Washington, short-term rentals are restricted to 30 consecutive nights, and hosts must obtain a valid business license and comply with zoning regulations.

Hosts must also provide guest contact information, comply with building and safety codes, and maintain liability insurance. In addition to licensing fees, hosts in Kent must collect and pay state lodging tax and a transient occupancy tax of $2 per night booked245.

Does Kent strictly enforce STR rules?

Kent, Washington, does enforce short-term rental (STR) regulations, but the enforcement approach can be considered moderate compared to cities with stricter regulations. Based on Reddit and BiggerPockets posts, Kent enforces licensing and zoning regulations for short-term rentals, and fines for violations can range from $250 to $5004.

The city adopts an ordinance that restricts short-term rentals to 30 consecutive nights and requires hosts to pay a city business license fee of $51, as well as a state lodging tax of 1% on the overnight rate125.Some key points about Kent's enforcement of STR rules include:

Kent's approach to enforcing STR regulations is moderate compared to cities with stricter regulations4.

Fines for violations can range from $250 to $5004.

The city requires hosts to obtain a business license and comply with building and safety codes9.

Kent is known for its diverse community, parks, and outdoor activities, making it an attractive destination for Airbnb guests9.

In summary, Kent does enforce its short-term rental regulations, but the enforcement is not overly strict, allowing hosts to operate their businesses within the city's guidelines.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Kent?

If you're looking to start a short-term rental business in Kent, Washington, there are a few steps you need to follow. First, determine if your property's zoning allows short-term rentals. Next, apply for a business license from the city, which must be renewed annually.

The initial licensing fee is $51, with a $30 renewal fee. Non-principal residence properties require rezoning approval. You'll also need to register with the state and obtain an IBU (Unified Business Identifier) number.It's important to note that Kent enforces licensing and zoning regulations for short-term rentals, and fines for violations can range from $250 to $500 per violation.

Hosts must also collect and pay state lodging tax (1% of the rental rate) and a transient occupancy tax of $2 per night booked. Additionally, hosts must provide guest contact information, comply with building and safety codes, and maintain liability insurance.

They must also limit stays to 30 consecutive nights.If you're unsure about the regulations or have questions, you can contact the city's planning department at (253) 856-5454 or via email at planninginfo@kentwa.gov.Based on Reddit and BiggerPockets posts, Kent takes a moderate approach compared to cities with stricter regulations.

However, the sentiment is that Kent does enforce licensing and zoning regulations for short-term rentals.

To summarize, here are the steps to start a short-term rental business in Kent:

• Determine if your property's zoning allows short-term rentals.
• Apply for a business license from the city.
• Register with the state and obtain an IBU number.
• It's important to comply with all regulations and requirements to avoid fines and penalties.

Who to contact in Kent about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

Contact Kent's Planning Department:

(253) 856-5454 or planning@kentwa.gov for information on zoning and short term rental regulations.

The Finance Department at (253) 856-5640 or finance@kentwa.gov can answer licensing questions.

What do Airbnb hosts in Kent think about local regulations?

According to Reddit and BiggerPockets posts, Kent hosts generally find the regulations reasonable but would prefer more flexibility25. Most comply with licensing and taxes, but some skirt the rules around principal residence25.Managing an Airbnb in Kent can be challenging due to the competitive market and changing regulations.

A professional Airbnb management company can help hosts stay up-to-date on regulations and laws, manage bookings and check-ins, and provide cleaning and maintenance services5.In conclusion, Kent, Washington has regulations in place for short-term rentals that require hosts to obtain a business license, comply with zoning regulations, and limit stays to 30 consecutive nights.

Hosts must also collect and pay state lodging tax and a transient occupancy tax of $2 per night booked. The city is perceived to take a moderate approach compared to those with stricter regulations, and hosts generally comply with licensing and taxes.