DISCOVER:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Living in a floating home is a wonderful, unique lifestyle that often sparks a lot of curiosity. Based on the common inquiries and key information shared within the Floating Homes Association (FHA) community, here are many typical questions newcomers have, with detailed answers.
​1 . What's the difference between a houseboat, a floating home and someone who lives on a boat?​​
Houseboat: A houseboat is a structure that floats on water and is primarily intended to serve as a home. This includes Floating On Water Residence (FOWR), barges and floating homes. In recent years, some floating home residents have tried to distinguish floating homes from the term “houseboat,” but these efforts have been largely unsuccessful. Globally, “houseboat” remains a common term used to describe any type of floating residence. Note: All floating residences must comply with Seattle’s Shoreline Master Program, the local land-use policies and regulations that guide use of the Washington shorelines.
​Floating Home: A floating home is a type of houseboat with permanent connections to sewer, water, electricity, and sometimes gas. It remains in a fixed location and cannot be legally moved from marina to marina. Each floating home is assigned a specific tax parcel or personal property tax designation tied to its designated moorage. Seattle’s construction codes apply to floating homes and have requirements similar to those for houses built on land. In Seattle, if a floating home is replaced with a new structure, the original must be dismantled or relocated outside the area.​
Floating On Water Residence (FOWR): A Floating On Water Residence (FOWR) is a movable floating structure that can travel between marinas. It typically features quick-disconnect utility hookups, uses blackwater holding tanks for pump-out, and often discharges gray water directly into the water without treatment. A few Floating On Water Residences do have city sewer and water connections, such as 2309 N Northlake. (The Floating Homes Association does not represent/support FOWRs because they have different needs, however anyone is welcome to join the Floating Homes Association - even if they don't live on the water at all. ​Barge: A barge is a type of houseboat. In the early 1900's, the city gave a special designation to 36 original "house barges". For all intents and purposes, a Floating On Water Residence (FOWR) and a barge are the same thing. Barges are not allowed to have motors​.​
​​2 How to the toilets work?
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It's a funny question - but people do ask! A floating home sewer system is a modern, reliable setup that offers the same "flush and forget" convenience as a toilet in a home or condo. An automatic grinder pump cleanly moves all wastewater from a sealed tank under the home or in a dock shared cistern directly into the city's main sewer line. This system provides the full convenience of land-based living right on the water. However, just like any toilet, the pump is designed only for human waste and toilet paper, and flushing items like wipes or paper towels will cause clogs.
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3. I'm thinking of buying a floating home. What are the things I should think of?
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In many ways, the process is just like buying any other home. You'll still care about the location, the layout, and getting a good general inspection. But as you might guess, a house that floats comes with a few extra, very important "to-do" items.
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The biggest one, naturally, is the float itself—our version of a foundation. You must hire a professional diver to get in the water and assess the float's condition and lifespan. While they're down there, you'll also want to confirm the home stays fully in the water all year. Lake levels can drop in the summer, and it's critical to ensure the home (including the barrels) doesn't "ground out" or rest on the lakebed.
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You're also joining a unique dock community, so don't be shy! Walk the dock, meet your potential neighbors, and ask them what life is like there. Before you make an offer, you should also review the dock's health by checking its financials and recent board meeting minutes, just as you would for a condo. People who live here are passionate about this lifestyle and love to help, so ask plenty of questions!
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4. How do I floating homes get water and electricity?
Floating homes are hard-connected to the city's water and electrical utilities, just like a land-based house. Some homes may also have natural gas connections.
5. What is the internet situation like on the docks?
You have access to fast internet like any home. Many home owners use the local business Salmon Bay Wireless for internet - this company provides reliable, simple, and fast internet service tailored for floating homes across Northlake, Westlake, and Eastlake. Floating home residents like supporting local businesses!
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6. What is the community culture like?
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Known for being exceptionally tight-knit and welcoming, the floating home community often feels like an extended family for its residents. This unique spirit has deep roots, as the community historically attracted a "quirky mixture of artists, bohemians, rebels and free thinkers." While it has evolved, that character remains. Today, different docks have different cultures: some proudly cultivate a bohemian spirit and love of nature, while others are more modern, catering to working families and retirees with all the comforts of a contemporary home.
7. Are there any community-wide events?
The community's vibrant social life is driven at multiple levels. Committee leaders such as Melissa Ayres and Brendan Lopez organize large-scale events. These are headlined by the celebrated Floating Home Tour—which triumphantly returned in 2025 after a seven-year hiatus—and the Spring Annual Meeting, where all docks gather to share food and bond at local yacht clubs.
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The FHA also connects with neighbors, such as the Eastlake community, to put on music events and lectures. On top of these association-wide activities, the docks themselves host their own gatherings like barbecues and floating concerts.
8. When is the next Floating Homes House Tour?
Our last floating homes house tour was Sept 2025. More than 600 visitors stepped onto our docks and into ten
unique floating homes, each one offering a unique glimpse into the creativity, history, and warmth that define our community. Guests loved learning about our way of life, reminding us how special it feels to live among — and be part of — our floating neighborhoods. And to our major 2025 sponsors: thank you: Sound Community Bank , Melissa Ahlers (Compass), Molly Cartwright (Windermere), Matt Goyer (Urban Living). Other appreciated FHA sponsors include Mioposto, Red Shield,
International Marine Floatation (IMF) Systems, Aqua Dive and Boat Insurance Agency.
Want to see what you missed? View instagram promo here, here, or here​ But no worries - we have the tours every other year, our next Tour is scheduled for 2027.
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9. How can I get involved the community and meet more people?
The FHA has various offices and committees, which are always looking for volunteers. These include the Office of Social and Fun, Office of the Environment, Office of Welcome, Office of Culture (which handles the Tour), and others, allowing members to contribute to areas like advocacy, environmental stewardship, and community building. Contact president@floatinghomesassociation.com for more info.
10. How much do floating homes move, and can I get seasick?
How much the home moves depends on the home's location, the type of float (log or concrete), the dock connection, the weather and boat traffic. Some homes move quite a bit (especially the ones on front), while others hardly move at all. While movement is a part of the lifestyle, the gentle motion becomes second nature to most residents.
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11. What are the most critical legal considerations when buying or transferring a floating home?
Floating homes are legally considered personal property, not conventional real property. This means they are not transferred by the county auditor's office in the same way as a traditional house built on land. You must work with an experienced professional to navigate the city-level processes and different required forms for the transfer. The FHA can help put you in touch with the right people.​
12. What are the common costs of floating home living?
Costs typically include the mortgage (if applicable), utilities, and dock/co-op or slip rental fees). If you are considering buying a home, discuss this with your realtor and/or dock leadership.
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In general, things will add up roughly about the same as a regular home, The only truly odd thing is once a year it is advised to hire a diver to check or rebalance your float! This costs anywhere from $500 - $900/year.
13. Why was the Floating Homes Association (FHA) originally created?
The FHA was formed in 1962 in response to a concerted effort by the city in the 1950s to rid Seattle of houseboats, which were declared a public health hazard and led to the eviction of over half the community. Facing the imminent demise of their lifestyle, houseboaters banded together to "protect Seattle’s old and colorful houseboat colony" and galvanized the community, notably by achieving the hookup of all floating homes to the public sewage system.
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14. What terms should I know when it comes to floating homes?
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Float: The platform under a floating home that keeps it buoyant. Often made of logs, styrofoam, or concrete.
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Slip / Moorage Slip: The space where a floating home sits, usually leased or owned as part of a co-op.
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Dock / Dock Community: A walkway that connects a group of floating homes to land; also refers to the group of homes that share utilities and community rules.
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Co-op (Cooperative Moorage): A group ownership model where residents collectively own the moorage and each member buys a share associated with a slip.
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Camel Log: A large, old-growth log (usually cedar or fir) that’s placed between a floating home and the dock or another structure to act as a bumper.
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DNR Lease: A lease with Washington’s Department of Natural Resources for the use of state-owned aquatic land under homes or docks.
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Sewer Pump / Grinder Pump: A pump system that moves wastewater from floating homes uphill to city sewer lines.
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Tie-Up Lines / Mooring Lines: Ropes or cables securing the home to the dock or pilings.
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Pilings: Vertical steel or wooden posts driven into the lakebed that keep floating homes from drifting.
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Listing: When a floating home leans to one side due to float imbalance or load issues.
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Waterway / State Waterway: Public channels of water regulated by the state and/or the federal government; many docks sit adjacent to these.​​