Vancouver, WA

When deciding whether to become an Airbnb host, it is important for you to understand the laws in your region or city. As a platform and online marketplace we do not provide legal advice, but we want to provide resources that may help you better understand applicable laws and regulations. This list is not exhaustive, but it may give you a good start in understanding your local laws. If you have questions, visit the short-term rental homepage or other government agencies directly, or consult a local lawyer or tax professional.

Actions a host needs to take

1. Determine if your property is located within the City limits.
   
2. Get a Washington State Business License and City of Vancouver Business License. Both are available through the state Department of Revenue.
3. Contact the department’s Business Licensing Service at 360-705-6741 for questions or learn more about business licenses in Vancouver.
4. Visit the City’s website and follow the steps to complete the short-term rental permit form.
5. Pay the required fees and notify your neighbors following the City’s instructions.
6. Once approved, add your short-term rental permit number to your listing(s) to complete the process.

Short-term rental regulations

A short-term rental (STR) is a dwelling unit or individual rooms within a dwelling unit that are rented to a guest(s) by a short-term rental operator for fewer than 30 consecutive days. A short-term rental is not considered a hotel, motel, or bed and breakfast.

A few listing types are exempt from registering as short-term rentals:

• A dwelling unit that is occupied by the owner for at least six months during the calendar year and in which fewer than three rooms are rented at any time;
• A dwelling unit, or portion, that is used by the same person for thirty or more consecutive nights; or
• A dwelling unit, or portion, that is operated by an organization or government entity that is registered as a charitable organization with the secretary of state, state of Washington, or is classified by the Federal Internal Revenue Service as a public charity or a private foundation and provides temporary housing to individuals who are being treated for trauma, injury, or disease, or their family members.

Other contracts and rules

It's also important to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo board or co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable.

Our commitment to your community

We are committed to working with local officials to clarify how local rules impact the community. We will continue to advocate for changes that will enable people to rent out their homes.