Auburn Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Auburn, Washington?

Short-term rental regulations in Auburn, Washington, are governed by the city's ordinances and zoning laws. The key regulations include:

• Administrative Permit: An Administrative Permit is required for short-term rentals, which involves circulating the permit to neighbors for a 10-day appeal period. If no objections are received, the permit is approved subject to conditions outlined in the Auburn Municipal Code.
• Parking: The applicant must provide one on-site parking space for each guest room rented, in addition to the parking spaces required for the existing residential unit.
• Business License: All businesses operating within City Limits, including short-term rentals, require a business license. Contact the Finance Department for more information.
• Short-Term Rental Permit Application Packet: This packet includes the necessary documents and information required for the permit application process.
• New Regulations: In 2021, the city of Auburn adopted new regulations for short-term rentals, including a requirement for a written summary of the laws to be provided to tenants at the initiation of tenancy and with any renewal of a rental agreement.
• Landlord-Tenant Regulations: The city's Rental Housing Code (Chapter 5.23 of the Auburn City Code) outlines specific regulations for landlords and tenants, including requirements for notice of proposed sale, notice to vacate, and just cause for eviction.
• Zoning: Zoning regulations in Auburn govern the use of properties and may impact the operation of short-term rentals. For example, specific zoning districts may restrict the number of bedrooms or the type of amenities allowed in a short-term rental property.
• Inspections: The city conducts inspections to ensure compliance with regulations and maintain the quality of life for residents in Auburn.
• Reporting Violations: Residents can report any potential violations of short-term rental regulations to Inspection Services, and the city will respond accordingly.
• Task Force: The city has a Short-Term Rentals Task Force that works with residents and stakeholders to create regulations for short-term rentals in Auburn, ensuring that these regulations are effective and fair for all parties involved.

These regulations are designed to balance the needs of both hosts and neighbors, ensuring that short-term rentals are managed responsibly and do not negatively impact the community.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Auburn

To start a short-term rental business in Auburn, Washington, individuals must obtain a Rental Housing Business License from the city. This license is essential for renting out properties, whether single-family homes or multi-family units, within Auburn's jurisdiction. The process involves submitting a Short-Term Rental Business License Application and ensuring compliance with the city's regulations.

Additionally, landlords are required to provide one on-site parking space for each guest room rented and obtain a general business license if the property is offered for short-term rental (less than 180 continuous days). It is crucial to adhere to the city's ordinances and zoning laws, including obtaining an Administrative Permit that may require circulation to neighbors for a 10-day appeal period.

By following these steps and meeting the necessary requirements, individuals can legally establish and operate a short-term rental business in Auburn.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Auburn

The Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Auburn, Washington, is a crucial aspect for individuals looking to operate short-term rentals within the city. Here are some detailed points regarding the licensing requirements:

• Business License Application: Owners of residential real property in Auburn who lease their property, whether directly or through an agent, are obligated to obtain a business license. This process involves completing a residential/commercial rental business license registration form, which lists each property intended for rent or lease.
• Fees: The initial license fee for a short-term rental business in Auburn is $105. Subsequent annual fees are calculated as 1.5% of the gross rental receipts from the previous calendar year. This fee structure ensures that landlords contribute to the city's revenue based on their rental income.
• General Business License: If the residential property is offered for short-term rental, defined as rentals lasting less than 180 continuous days, a general business license is required in addition to the specific rental business license. This ensures compliance with the city's regulations and tax requirements for short-term rentals.
• Lodging Tax Compliance: Along with the business license, hosts operating short-term rentals in Auburn must comply with lodging tax regulations. This may involve collecting and remitting lodging taxes to the city, as required by local ordinances.
• Renewal: The business license for short-term rentals in Auburn must be renewed annually to maintain compliance with the city's regulations. Landlords are responsible for ensuring timely renewal and accurate reporting of rental income to calculate the annual license fee.

By understanding and fulfilling these licensing requirements, individuals can legally operate short-term rentals in Auburn while contributing to the city's revenue and maintaining compliance with local regulations.

Required Documents for Auburn Short Term Rentals

To operate a short-term rental in Auburn, Washington, hosts are required to provide specific documents and information. These include:

• Administrative Permit: An Administrative Permit is required to be circulated to neighbors before renting a property. This permit is subject to conditions outlined in the Auburn Municipal Code and may require a 10-day appeal period for neighbors to object to the request.
• Business License: All businesses operating within City Limits, including short-term rentals, require a business license. Contact the Finance Department for more information on the licensing process.
• Parking: The applicant must provide one on-site parking space for each guest room rented, in addition to the parking spaces required for the existing residential unit.
• Short-Term Rental Permit Application Packet: This packet includes the necessary documents and information required for the permit application process.
• Proof of Ownership: Hosts must provide proof of ownership or a valid lease agreement for the property being rented.
• Property Management Information: Hosts must provide detailed information about the property management, including the name and contact details of the property manager or agent.
• Emergency Contact Information: Hosts must provide emergency contact information for the property, including the contact details of the property owner, property manager, or emergency services.
• Certification of Compliance: Hosts must certify that they are in compliance with all applicable ordinances and regulations, including zoning laws and building codes.
• Notice of Proposed Sale: If the property is being sold, hosts must provide a 60-day notice to the City of their intent to sell the building before listing it with any real estate service or advertising it for sale.
• Additional Documents: Depending on the specific requirements of the property and the type of short-term rental, additional documents may be necessary, such as proof of liability insurance or a copy of the rental agreement.

By providing these documents and information, hosts can ensure compliance with Auburn's regulations and maintain a legal and responsible short-term rental operation within the city.

Auburn Short Term Rental Taxes

Short-term rental hosts in Auburn may have specific tax obligations related to their rental properties. Understanding and fulfilling these tax responsibilities is crucial for hosts to avoid any potential tax-related issues. Hosts should consult with the city or relevant tax authorities to ensure compliance with Auburn's tax regulations for short-term rentals.

Auburn-wide Short Term Rental Rules

The city of Auburn, Washington, has implemented a comprehensive set of regulations to govern short-term rental operations within its jurisdiction. These rules aim to balance the needs of short-term rental hosts and the broader community, ensuring that short-term rentals are managed responsibly and do not negatively impact the surrounding neighborhoods. Here are the key Auburn-wide short-term rental rules:

Administrative Permit Requirement

Before offering a property for short-term rental, hosts must obtain an Administrative Permit from the city. This permit is subject to specific conditions outlined in the Auburn Municipal Code and requires the permit to be circulated to neighboring properties. Neighbors are given a 10-day period to raise any objections to the permit request. If no objections are received, the permit is approved, allowing the host to operate the short-term rental.

Parking Regulations

Hosts are required to provide adequate on-site parking for their short-term rental guests. The city mandates that one on-site parking space must be provided for each guest room rented, in addition to the parking spaces required for the primary residential unit. These parking requirements are designed to manage traffic and parking congestion in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Business License Requirement

All businesses operating within the city limits of Auburn, including short-term rental operations, are required to obtain a valid business license. Hosts must contact the city's Finance Department to initiate the process of obtaining the necessary business license for their short-term rental activities.

Compliance with Rental Housing Code

Short-term rental properties in Auburn must adhere to the city's Rental Housing Code, which outlines standards for property maintenance, landlord-tenant relationships, and other essential regulations. Compliance with the Rental Housing Code ensures that short-term rental properties meet the required safety and habitability standards.

Reporting and Enforcement

Residents of Auburn have the ability to report any potential violations of short-term rental regulations to the city's Inspection Services department. The city takes these reports seriously and enforces the regulations to address any violations promptly, ensuring that short-term rental hosts operate within the established guidelines.

By adhering to these Auburn-wide short-term rental rules, hosts can contribute to a harmonious community environment, maintain property standards, and operate their short-term rentals in compliance with the city's regulations.

Does Auburn strictly enforce STR rules? Is Auburn Airbnb friendly?

Auburn, Washington, has implemented regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) to address potential neighborhood impacts and maintain community standards. The city requires an Administrative Permit to be circulated to neighbors before renting a property, which includes a 10-day appeal period for neighbors to object to the request. If no objections are received, the permit is approved subject to conditions outlined in the Auburn Municipal Code.

Additionally, Auburn requires hosts to provide one on-site parking space for each guest room rented, in addition to the parking spaces required for the existing residential unit. This suggests that the city is actively managing parking and traffic congestion in the neighborhoods where STRs are located.

The city also requires all businesses operating within City Limits, including STRs, to obtain a business license. This indicates that Auburn is committed to ensuring compliance with local regulations and taxes.

Regarding Airbnb friendliness, Auburn's regulations seem to be designed to balance the needs of hosts and the broader community. The city's approach to STRs is focused on managing potential impacts on neighborhoods and ensuring compliance with local regulations. This suggests that Auburn is not strictly enforcing STR rules in a way that would be overly restrictive or hostile to hosts.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Auburn

Starting a short-term rental business in Auburn, Washington, involves several key steps to ensure compliance with the city's regulations and requirements.

Firstly, aspiring hosts must obtain an Administrative Permit from the city of Auburn. This permit is essential for operating a short-term rental property and involves circulating the permit to neighboring properties. Neighbors are given a 10-day period to raise any objections, and if no objections are received, the permit is approved, subject to the conditions outlined in the Auburn Municipal Code.

Additionally, hosts need to provide adequate parking for their short-term rental guests. Auburn mandates one on-site parking space for each guest room rented, in addition to the parking spaces required for the primary residential unit. This requirement aims to manage traffic and parking congestion in the neighborhoods where short-term rentals are located.

Furthermore, hosts must obtain a valid business license from the city of Auburn. All businesses operating within the city limits, including short-term rentals, are required to have this license. Contacting the Finance Department is necessary to initiate the process of obtaining the essential business license for the short-term rental operation.

Compliance with Auburn's Rental Housing Code is crucial for short-term rental properties. This code sets standards for property maintenance, landlord-tenant relationships, and other regulations to ensure the safety and habitability of rental properties.

Lastly, hosts must remember to renew their business license annually to maintain compliance with Auburn's regulations. Staying up-to-date with the renewal process is vital to avoid any disruptions to the short-term rental business.

By following these steps and adhering to Auburn's regulations, individuals can establish and operate a successful short-term rental business in the city while contributing to a harmonious community environment.

Who to contact in Auburn about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

For inquiries regarding Auburn's short-term rental regulations and zoning requirements, individuals can contact the city at 253-804-5011 or email at [email protected] for detailed information and guidance on navigating the regulatory landscape for short-term rentals in Auburn.

What do Airbnb hosts in Auburn on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

On the Airbnb Community forum, a user who hosts in Auburn, Alabama (not the same Auburn as in the original question) mentioned that the city is currently drafting a new ordinance to regulate short-term rentals (STRs). The host expressed a need for other local hosts to help provide input and "put a voice to" the regulations being developed. This suggests that the hosts in Auburn, Alabama are engaged and want to have a say in the regulatory process.

However, the search results do not contain any direct quotes or insights from Airbnb hosts in Auburn, Washington (the city referenced in the original question) on the Reddit or Bigger Pockets forums. The information is limited to news articles and general information about short-term rental regulations in Auburn, California and Auburn, Alabama, but does not include specific feedback from hosts in Auburn, Washington.

Without any direct quotes or commentary from Airbnb hosts in the correct Auburn location, I do not have enough information to definitively characterize what hosts in Auburn, Washington think about the local short-term rental regulations. The search results do not provide that level of detail or insight from the relevant hosts.