Seattle hotel industry supports new short-term rental legislation

SEATTLE (Dec. 11, 2017) – 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, Seattle short-term rentals will have to be licensed, will pay appropriate taxes, and will provide commonsense protections for visiting guests.”

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About the Seattle Hotel Association

The Seattle Hotel Association (seattlehotelassociation.org) is a nonprofit, voluntary organization comprised of more than 60 member hotels. SHA works to promote the economic well-being of the hospitality industry in Seattle and supports strategies that encourage job creation in tourism and other industries, as well as a safe and clean city environment for residents, workers and tourists alike. Established in 1986, SHA has raised over $6 million to invest in the local community through philanthropy.