Spokane, Washington Short-Term Rental Market Overview
Visitor Profile
Spokane, Washington attracts a diverse range of short-term rental guests, primarily outdoor enthusiasts, families, and urban explorers. Visitors often come to experience the city’s abundant natural attractions, such as the iconic Spokane Falls and scenic river trails, as well as its vibrant downtown area. Adventure-seekers are drawn to winter sports at Mount Spokane Ski and Snowboard Resort, while families enjoy the interactive exhibits and recreational activities available at Riverfront Park. For those interested in cultural experiences, Spokane offers rich arts scenes, historical sites, and local events that appeal to a broad demographic. A key highlight for visitors is exploring Riverfront Park, which serves as the city’s centerpiece for outdoor fun, scenic vistas, and family-friendly entertainment, making it a perfect attraction to showcase in your rental property.
Top Attractions
Spokane, Washington, offers a vibrant mix of natural beauty and urban attractions that make it a compelling destination for travelers. One of the city’s crown jewels is Riverfront Park, which showcases scenic views of the Spokane River Falls and serves as a hub of activities with features like the Numerica SkyRide, historic Looff Carrousel, and spectacular light shows. The city is also renowned for its outdoor adventures, including whitewater rafting in the Spokane River Gorge, biking along historic trails, and exploring arboretums and parks such as Manito Park and Green Bluff, known for cherry picking and local produce.
In addition to its outdoor appeal, Spokane boasts cultural and historical sites, lively neighborhoods, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy downtown Spokane’s shops, vintage stores, and culinary scene, or explore hidden gems like Greenwood Cemetery and Dodd House. With its unique combination of natural wonders and vibrant city life, Spokane provides a diverse range of experiences that captivate every type of traveler, whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment.
Regulations
Short-term rental hosting in Spokane, Washington, operates under a regulatory framework designed to balance the interests of hosts, guests, neighbors, and the city. Prospective hosts should anticipate a structured permitting system, zoning compliance, and adherence to safety and occupancy standards. These regulations seek to ensure responsible rental practices, protect community character, and manage the economic impact of short-term rentals. Understanding the local rules is essential before listing a property, as Spokane has specific requirements affecting licensing, registration, occupancy limits, and tax obligations.
Key Regulatory Considerations:
– Licensing and Permits: Spokane requires hosts to obtain a short-term rental operator license. This involves an application process managed by the city, likely including fees, proof of compliance with safety regulations, and possibly an inspection. Renewal requirements and ongoing compliance verification are typical to maintain good standing.
– Primary Residence and Zoning: The Spokane regulations often emphasize that the rental property must be the host’s primary residence or within certain residential zoning districts that permit short-term rentals. Specific zoning restrictions may limit where these rentals can operate, and hosts should verify local zoning maps and rules.
– Occupancy and Safety Standards: The city enforces occupancy limits based on unit size and type, ensuring safe and comfortable lodging. Mandatory installation of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers is common. Hosts should expect to comply with health and safety inspections.
– Tax Obligations: Hosts must collect and remit transient occupancy taxes, often alongside sales tax, as part of their fiscal responsibilities. Registration with tax authorities and accurate record-keeping for tax reporting are required.
– Operational Rules and Enforcement: Strict guidelines may regulate advertising accuracy, noise control, guest behavior, and parking. Non-compliance can result in penalties including fines or revocation of the rental license.
For the most current and legally binding information, property owners should consult the City of Spokane’s Official Short-Term Rental Regulations page, which provides detailed guidance, application procedures, and updates pertinent to short-term rental hosts in Spokane.
Spokane, Washington Market Performance Trends
Spokane, Washington Rental Market Insights
10-Year Market Growth
Growth chart data is not available for this location.
Booking Activity
- 1-3 Months:62.4% Booked
- 4-6 Months:58.6% Booked
- 7-9 Months:49.7% Booked
- 10-12 Months:8.6% Booked
Cancellation Policies
- Flexible:32%
- Moderate:44.6%
- Strict:20.1%
- Super Strict:20.1%
- N/A:1.5%
Minimum Stay
- 1 Day:407
- 2 Days:324
- 3 Days:64
- 4-6 Days:35
- 7-29 Days:51
- 30+ Days:74
