This year, users of short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO faced the possibility of an additional tax of up to 4%, collected by local cities and towns in Washington State. The proposed tax aimed to help fund affordable housing shortfalls-however each locality saw fit. While the bill didn’t pass this time, it may return in the future.
Here at Lake Cavanaugh, there are at least eleven cabins-or homes, rather-being rented regularly. More and more people are turning to platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to find weekend getaways, and our community is becoming a popular destination. Even in winter, guests seek a peaceful escape from the city or a convenient meeting place for friends traveling from across the Canadian border.
I’ve been an Airbnb guest for nearly ten years and a host for two. My family of six relies on these platforms when we travel, always looking for a home with a kitchen, room to spread out, and space for the kids to play. We love knowing our payment usually goes to another family or homeowner, not a corporation.
Hosting allows us to share our home, offset rising insurance and tax costs, and-best of all-keep using it ourselves most of the year, except on the weekend.