Washington Vacation Rental Agreement Overview
Washington state imposes its 6.5% state sales tax plus local sales taxes and special lodging taxes. Seattle requires STR licenses and limits hosts to two units. San Juan Islands and Leavenworth are major STR markets.
Required in most cities
STR license
6.5% state sales tax + local + lodging taxes (tota
Occupancy tax / TOT
Seattle: 2 STR units max per host
Maximum stay
Many Seattle HOAs restrict STRs
HOA restrictions
Washington Short-Term Rental Requirements
Operating a vacation rental in Washington requires compliance with state and local regulations. Here are the key requirements for WA short-term rental hosts:
Important: Check Local Washington Regulations
Short-term rental regulations in Washington can vary significantly by city and county. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property. Regulations may include permit requirements, occupancy limits, parking rules, noise ordinances, and safety inspections.
- STR License/Permit: Required in most cities — check with your local city/county government
- Tax Registration: Register with the Washington Department of Revenue to collect and remit occupancy taxes
- Safety Requirements: Working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and posted emergency exit routes
- Insurance: Obtain short-term rental or commercial liability insurance — standard homeowner's policies may not cover STR activity
- HOA/Condo Rules: Many Seattle HOAs restrict STRs — review your CC&Rs before listing
How to Fill Out a Washington Vacation Rental Agreement
Follow these steps to properly complete your Washington vacation rental agreement. Our template guides you through each section to ensure compliance with WA requirements.
Enter Host and Guest Information
Include the host's full legal name and contact information, and the primary guest's name, address, phone number, and email. The primary guest is responsible for all terms of the agreement.
Describe the Rental Property
Provide the complete Washington property address, property type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, maximum occupancy, and included amenities (parking, pool, hot tub, Wi-Fi, kitchen, laundry).
Set Check-In/Check-Out and Rental Rates
Specify check-in date and time, check-out date and time, nightly rate, cleaning fee, Washington occupancy taxes, and total amount due. Include payment schedule and accepted payment methods.
Define Cancellation Policy and Damage Deposit
Establish cancellation tiers (full refund, partial refund, no refund deadlines), damage deposit amount, conditions for deductions, and refund timeline after checkout.
Include Washington House Rules
Set maximum occupancy, quiet hours, smoking policy, pet policy, parking instructions, pool/hot tub rules, trash procedures, and a no-parties/no-events clause.
Sign and Distribute
Both host and guest should sign and date the agreement. Electronic signatures are valid in Washington under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. Provide a copy to the guest before or at check-in.
Washington Occupancy Taxes & Fees
Washington imposes taxes on short-term accommodations that hosts must collect and remit. Here's a summary of the tax obligations for WA vacation rental operators:
| Tax / Fee | Rate / Amount |
|---|---|
| Occupancy / Lodging Tax | 6.5% state sales tax + local + lodging taxes (total 12-16%) |
| STR License/Permit Fee | Varies by municipality |
| Business License | May be required — check local requirements |
| Platform Collection | Some platforms collect certain taxes automatically in WA |
Sample Washington Vacation Rental Agreement
Below is a preview of our Washington-specific vacation rental agreement.
STATE OF WASHINGTON
VACATION RENTAL AGREEMENT
Short-Term Rental Contract
HOST / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Host Name]
Address: [Washington Address]
GUEST:
Name: [Guest Name]
Address: [Guest Address]
RENTAL PROPERTY
Address: [Washington Property Address]
Check-in: [Date/Time] Check-out: [Date/Time]
Nightly Rate: $[Rate] Total: $[Total]
Washington Vacation Rental Agreement FAQ
Answers to common questions about Washington vacation rental agreements, short-term rental regulations, and host obligations.
Official Washington Resources
Use these official resources for Washington short-term rental tax registration, licensing, and regulatory guidance.
Create Your Washington Vacation Rental Agreement
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