Jan. 16, 2026 — Redmond, Wash. The City of Redmond implemented updated business license requirements for short-term rentals on January 1, 2026, clarifying licensing, compliance expectations, and good-neighbor standards for properties rented for fewer than 30 nights.
The changes, outlined in Redmond Municipal Code 5.04, aim to regulate operations amid anticipated visitor demand from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Operators must obtain both a Washington state business license and a City of Redmond business license, with one license required per individually addressed short-term rental or per operator in multifamily developments, according to the city’s Short-Term Rental Guide, last updated January 1, 2026.
Key requirements include submitting a Short-Term Rental Safety Checklist and proof of posting tenant rights information visible to guests. Maximum occupancy is calculated by dividing the total house square footage by 200, and limits must be posted conspicuously.
The good-neighbor policy mandates posting the rental’s street address, emergency contacts for police, fire, and medical services, floor plans with escape routes, operator contact information, and cooking safety brochures. Guests must adhere to noise restrictions under Redmond Municipal Code 9.42.015, prohibiting public disturbances between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., along with parking guidelines and waste management rules.
On January 13, 2026, the city hosted an in-person session at City Hall titled “Redmond Short-Term Rental (STR) Updates & 2026 World Cup Hosting Opportunities,” featuring speakers from the City of Redmond and Airbnb, including Kim Dietz, Creative Economy & Small Business Permit Liaison; Denise Shinoda, Business License Program Coordinator; and Airbnb representatives Scott Brownlee, Sara Beach, Muni Sodhi, as detailed on Patch.com.
The updates follow a December 2025 revision process, with the city encouraging operators to review homeowners’ association rules and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors per state code. For more information, visit the city’s Short-Term Rentals page.
