Thinking about turning your Bellevue property into a short-term rental? The rules here are specific, and getting them right can save you time, money, and stress. Whether you own a condo, live in a single-family home, or manage units in a multifamily building, you want a clear path to compliant hosting. In this guide, you’ll learn what is allowed, how to register, which taxes apply, and how to avoid common pitfalls so you can host with confidence. Let’s dive in.
What counts as short-term in Bellevue
Short-term stays in Bellevue are defined as occupancy for less than 30 consecutive days. Anything 30 days or longer follows standard residential leasing rules. You can review how the city defines transient lodging on Bellevue’s residential rental regulations page for context and examples. See the city’s overview of transient lodging.
Where short-term rentals are allowed
Multifamily, condos, and PUDs
Entire units in apartments, condos, or planned unit developments in residential zones can be used for short-term stays if you register with the city. There are strict caps: no more than five units in any building and no more than 20% of units in a development can be short-term at any time. Start with the city’s code section on Short Term Stay Uses to confirm your building’s eligibility. Review LUC 20.20.800.
Single-family homes and ADUs
Whole-house stays under 30 days are not allowed for single-family homes or homes with ADUs. If you live in the home, you may be able to rent individual rooms short-term under boarding house, bed-and-breakfast, or home occupation rules, each with specific limits and permits. Check the city’s guidance for single-family and room rentals.
Registration steps for eligible units
If your unit is in a qualifying multifamily building or PUD, you must file a Short-Term Stay Use Registration Notice before hosting.
- Download the Short-Term Stay Use Registration form and review the instructions. Access the city’s registration form (PDF).
- Gather building details, the number of units you plan to operate, and confirm you are within the five-unit and 20% caps.
- File with Development Services using the city’s permitting resources. Find forms and filing information.
- Wait for acceptance. Once accepted, you may begin operating, but acceptance does not replace any other required permits, licenses, or tax registrations.
If you plan to rent rooms in an owner-occupied single-family home under a boarding house or B&B framework, you may need a Home Occupation Permit. Review the residential rental regulations and confirm requirements with Development Services.
Taxes you must collect and remit
Short-term lodging in Washington is generally taxable. Expect to collect Washington retail sales tax plus any applicable local lodging or hotel taxes.
- Use the Washington Department of Revenue’s Tax Rate Lookup to find the exact combined rate for your property’s address. Look up your address-specific rate.
- Review what counts as taxable. Charges like cleaning or pet fees that are related to the stay are usually taxable. Read DOR’s transient lodging guide.
- If you use a marketplace platform, confirm exactly which taxes it collects and remits for Bellevue. You are still responsible for full compliance and documentation. See DOR’s marketplace resources.
If you do business in Bellevue, review whether you must register your business with the city in addition to your state tax setup. Check Bellevue’s doing business information.
Safety and community rules
Before hosting, confirm building and fire safety compliance for your unit, including smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and safe egress. The city’s registration acceptance is not a safety inspection or building approval, so verify any needed permits or inspections. See the registration form for important notes.
If your development has house rules that apply to all occupants, you must give a copy to each guest before the stay and post a copy in the unit. This is a condition of operating as a Short-Term Stay Use. Review the house rules requirement in the LUC.
Finally, check HOA, condo, and lease restrictions. Many communities have bylaws that limit or prohibit short-term rentals. Confirm your governing documents before you list.
Enforcement and penalties
Operating outside the code, such as exceeding short-term unit caps or offering an ineligible use, can lead to land use enforcement. The city may issue notices, order the use to stop, or impose civil penalties under its enforcement procedures. Review the Land Use Code enforcement chapter.
Tax noncompliance can trigger assessments, penalties, and interest from the Washington Department of Revenue. Keep records of all taxes collected and any amounts a marketplace remitted on your behalf. Use DOR’s lodging guide for reporting.
Quick checklist before you list
- Confirm your property type and eligibility for short-term use.
- For multifamily or PUD units, verify you are within the five-unit and 20% caps.
- File the Short-Term Stay Use Registration and retain the city’s acceptance.
- If renting rooms in an owner-occupied home, confirm permit needs and limits.
- Check HOA or condo rules and any lease restrictions.
- Set up Washington DOR tax accounts and use the address lookup for rates.
- Confirm building and fire safety compliance and post required house rules.
- Document whether your platform collects taxes and keep all records.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Listing a whole single-family home for stays under 30 days.
- Skipping the Registration Notice for a condo or apartment unit.
- Exceeding caps within a building or development.
- Assuming a platform collects every required tax without verifying.
- Overlooking HOA bylaws or lease restrictions.
- Treating registration acceptance as a substitute for other permits or inspections.
Ready to host with confidence?
If you are weighing the best path for your Bellevue property, a clear plan helps you protect value and avoid costly missteps. For local perspective on how these rules may affect your strategy, reach out to The Sessoms Group. We are here to help you make informed, confident decisions.
FAQs
Can I rent my entire single-family house for less than 30 days in Bellevue?
- No. Whole-house short-term stays are not allowed for single-family homes or homes with ADUs, though room rentals in owner-occupied homes may be possible under specific rules. See the city’s guidance.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Bellevue condos or apartments?
- Yes, if you file the Short-Term Stay Use Registration and stay within the caps of no more than five units per building and no more than 20% of units in the development. Review LUC 20.20.800.
Do I have to register before listing a multifamily or PUD unit?
- Yes. You must file a Short-Term Stay Use Registration Notice and receive acceptance before operating, and the acceptance does not replace other required permits or tax accounts. Access the registration form.
What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Bellevue?
- Expect to collect Washington retail sales tax plus applicable local lodging taxes, and use the DOR lookup to find your exact address rate. Use the DOR Tax Rate Lookup.
If my booking platform collects taxes, am I covered?
- Not automatically. Platforms may collect some taxes, but you must verify what is collected and keep documentation for compliance. See DOR’s marketplace resources.
What happens if I exceed the five-unit or 20% cap?
- Operating outside the limits can lead to land use enforcement actions, including orders to stop the use and civil penalties under Bellevue code. Review enforcement procedures.
