Seattle Rental Registration and Inspection Fees

Beginning in 2019, all rental properties located within the City of Seattle will be required to renew their rental registration license. We recently learned the city is proposing drastic changes to the fee and licensing requirements. The below information is proposed and any changes must be approved by the city council.  

First, the city is proposing to amend the renewal cycle to a once every two-year renewal. Previously, the program required renewal once every five years.  
 

Second, the city proposes changing the fee schedule to "create a more equitable fee structure" and to "better align fees with the work performed." In 2014, rental properties were charged $175 per building plus $2 for each additional unit in the rental property. For a 100 unit property, the cost was $373 for five years.  

The city is proposing to increase the fee to $70 per building and $15 for each additional unit. The proposed increase would require a $1,610 license every two years in a 100 unit building. 

Additional changes are being proposed and include new fees.  

We are assessing opportunities to engage members of the Seattle City Council to further discuss this proposal.  

See the proposed fee schedule.

Find out when your property's renewal is due.  

Read more about the proposed basis for adjustment of fees and fee cycle.

See what other jurisdictions charge.