Short-Term Rentals

Overview

A short term rental is a rental of all or a portion (e.g. bedroom, basement) of your residential dwelling unit for periods of less than 30 nights. This law became effective on June 17, 2015, allowing eligible permanent residents (owners and tenants) to apply for a short term rental license.

Forms

Application

Applications can be submitted to the City of Spokane Development Services Center, located on the 3rd floor of City Hall. Short term rentals are required to complete the following (including but not limited to):

Before Application:

  • Spokane Business License – The City of Spokane and Washington State business license is now combined into one consolidated process. You can apply at the Department of Revenue website.
  • Applicable taxes - See Department of Revenue for Short-term Home Rentals or at 800.647.7706. Effective October 15, 2015, the Department of Revenue and Airbnb.com have an agreement in place that allows Airbnb.com to collect and report taxes to the State on behalf of the host. More information.
  • Insurance – Proof of insurance to operate as a short term rental
  • Spokane County Health permits (if offering smoking areas, food preparation, pool and spa facilities)
  • Properties may also be required to conform to applicable state building code requirements. If commercial events such as hosting weddings, parties or other events which bring the public to a site are proposed a Type B Conditional Use Permit may be required – Please contact the Development Services Center, 509.625.6300 for information.

During or After Application:

  • Distribute notification letter to all recognized organizations and owners of property abutting and directly across the street from the short-term rental (after permit is issued with contact information and notification of short term rental use)
  • Must display City of Spokane provided short term permit number in advertisements

Fees & Renewal

There is a $150 fee due at the time of application, which does not include the fee of the Spokane Business license. Renewals will be accepted every December (regardless of when you originally applied in the year) for a fee of $100. If you wish to discontinue the operation of your short term rental, you will not need to take any action as the license will automatically close when a renewal fee isn't paid.

Monitoring and Advertising

All short term rentals must maintain a guest log book. It must include the names and home addresses of guests, guest’s license plate numbers if traveling by car, dates of stay, and the room assigned to each guest. The log must be available for inspection by city staff upon request.

All advertised listings for the short term rental must include your short term license number.

Important Notes for Owners/Tenants:

The City of Spokane strongly recommends that you review your lease before submitting an application. Receiving a short term rental license does not override any lease agreements, homeowners association bylaws, Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&R's), or any other agreement, law, or regulations that prohibit subletting or use of your residential structure as a short term rental.

If you have any further questions regarding short term rentals please contact the City of Spokane Development Services Center at 509.625.6300.

Contact Information

Planning & Development Services
808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.
Spokane, WA 99201-3329
509.625.6300