Seattle vs Washington DC
Washington Legal with Permit | District of Columbia Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Seattle, Washington | Washington DC, District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $75/year short-term rental operator license | $104.50 for 2-year license |
| Tax Rate | 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city) | 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for operating without a license | $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation |
| Verdict | Seattle has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Seattle, Washington
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year short-term rental operator license
Tax Rate 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for operating without a license
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $104.50 for 2-year license
Tax Rate 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation
Seattle has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Seattle Overview
Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied units may be licensed. Operators may list up to 2 units. A platform license is also required for listing sites. Must collect and remit all applicable lodging taxes.
Full Seattle guide →Washington DC Overview
Primary residence only (must qualify for Homestead Deduction). Hosted stays have no day cap. Vacation rentals (unhosted) capped at 90 nights/year. Must carry $250K liability insurance.
Full Washington DC guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Seattle or Washington DC?
Seattle is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Washington DC is "Legal but Limited." Seattle's permit fee is $75/year short-term rental operator license compared to $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Seattle or Washington DC?
Seattle charges 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city), while Washington DC charges 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Seattle: $500/day for operating without a license. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation.