Short-term property rentals

Image of a white house with front yard for short term rentals

Are you planning to use your property as a short-term rental during the upcoming summer events? If so, you are required to hold a City of Renton business license.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to increase short-term rental activity throughout the region. Property owners within the City of Renton who intend to offer their property for rent during this time must comply with all applicable city licensing and regulatory requirements prior to operating.

Failure to obtain required approvals may result in enforcement action, including penalties as provided by the Renton Municipal Code.

Business license requirements

Any individual, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity engaging in rental activity within the City of Renton is deemed to be conducting business and is required to obtain and maintain a valid City of Renton business license prior to advertising, offering, or renting the property.

This requirement includes, but is not limited to:

Listing or advertising a short-term rental for rent
Short-term rentals (fewer than 30 consecutive days)
Vacation or transient lodging
Properties advertised or listed on online hosting platforms or similar services

To learn more or apply for a business license, please visit the City of Renton's business licensing page.

Why does this matter?

Required by city ordinance
Helps ensure safe and compliant rental properties
Avoids potential fines or enforcement action
Allows you to legally host visitors

Qualifying rental properties

Landlords and Property Management Companies are required to register owner-occupied duplexes and homes renting an ADU, renter-occupied single family homes, condos, duplexes, triplexes, etc. or apartment complexes. Commercial lodging, single room or short-term rentals MUST have a Renton Business License, but do not need to register. If you are unsure if your rental type qualifies, please contact the Rental Registration Program for guidance.

Contact the Rental Registration Program

List and Visual Icons of qualifying and non Qualifying rental types

Penalties

Penalties are outline in Chapters 1-3 of the Renton Municipal Code. To prevent penalties, communicate with your Code Enforcement Inspector and actively work to correct violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need City of Renton Business License?

Anyone conducting business in the City of Renton is required to have a City of Renton Business License. This includes property management companies that managing properties in Renton and short-term rentals or at-home businesses.

For more information, visit the City of Renton's business page.