A bill that requires cities that license short-term rentals to provide water safety information to licensees with properties that have pools, hot tubs, or designated outdoor swimming areas is creating new concerns for cities.

HB 2465 requires the state to develop new water safety information for short-term rental owners. It also requires the owners to post safety signs at their rental properties. The information would be provided by the state, but local authorities issuing the business licenses would be responsible for posting the information on their website and providing the information to owners of short-term rentals that feature pools, hot tubs, or designated outdoor swimming areas.

While the goal of providing safety information on water features at short-term rentals is well-intentioned, it does create implementation and liability concerns for cities.

The state requires short-term rental owners to provide other safety information at rental properties and rental platforms to provide information on safety notice requirements under RCW 64.37.030.

Date to remember

HB 2465 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Consumer Protection & Business Committee on Wednesday, January 28, at 1:30 pm.