The Seattle Hotel Association (SHA) supports the short-term rental legislation passed today by the Seattle City Council, completing the package of ordinances that will govern rentals on platforms like Airbnb.
SHA has supported short-term rental regulations since the inception of this form of overnight accommodations. The new legislation establishes safety, insurance and licensing requirements, and it has mechanisms to ensure operators pay appropriate taxes and comply with the law.
"Treating short-term rentals with an equal commitment to the safety of visitors is the right thing to do, and it will ensure that Seattle remains a safe and welcoming place for guests, wherever they choose to stay," said Shannon Sheron, President, Seattle Hotel Association.
"Securing this legislation has been a long journey, and the Seattle Hotel Association has been committed and engaged in addressing unregulated short-term rentals since they first appeared. We appreciate the call to action on this issue from a broad range of stakeholders," Sheron said.
"It's very gratifying to see Seattle come together on an important issue. We are pleased that, with today's vote, Seattleshort-term rentals will have to be licensed, will pay appropriate taxes, and will provide commonsense protections for visiting guests."