Seattle Landlord Laws 2026: What Property Owners Must Know Before Leasing

Seattle continues to attract renters thanks to strong job growth, walkable neighborhoods, and limited housing supply. For landlords, that demand can translate into stable occupancy and long-term appreciation.

However, Seattle is also one of the most highly regulated rental markets in the country. Property owners must comply with both Washington State landlord-tenant law and additional city ordinances that add layers of complexity.

Before leasing your rental in 2026, here are the key laws every Seattle landlord must understand.

Rental Registration & Inspection Ordinance (RRIO)

Seattle requires nearly all rental properties to be registered under the Rental Registration & Inspection Ordinance (RRIO).

Landlords must:

• Register each rental unit with the city
• Pay renewal fees
• Complete periodic safety inspections
• Maintain compliance documentation

If a property is not properly registered, landlords may face enforcement actions and may not be able to legally pursue eviction remedies. RRIO compliance is foundational — without it, everything else becomes more difficult.

First-in-Time Screening Law

Seattle’s First-in-Time law significantly changes how landlords process rental applications.

Landlords must:

• Publish screening criteria before accepting applications
• Process applications in the order received
• Offer the unit to the first qualified applicant

You cannot skip a qualified applicant because you prefer another candidate. Failing to follow strict order-of-receipt procedures can expose landlords to discrimination claims or fair housing complaints.

Just Cause Eviction Requirements

Unlike many markets, Seattle landlords cannot simply choose not to renew a lease at the end of its term.

Under Seattle’s Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, landlords must provide a legally recognized reason to terminate tenancy. Common just causes include:

• Nonpayment of rent
• Substantial lease violations
• Owner move-in
• Major renovations or demolition

Improper notice or insufficient documentation can delay eviction proceedings and increase holding costs.

Rent Increase Notice Rules

Seattle requires landlords to provide 180 days’ notice before increasing rent.

Landlords must:

• Deliver proper written notice
• Follow timing requirements precisely
• Avoid increases that could be considered retaliatory

If notice requirements are not met, the rent increase may be invalid. With longer notice windows, landlords must plan adjustments well in advance.

Security Deposit & Move-In Documentation

Seattle requires a detailed written move-in checklist signed by both landlord and tenant.

Landlords must:

• Provide written condition documentation
• Return deposits within required timelines
• Provide itemized deductions if withholding funds

Failure to follow proper deposit procedures is one of the most common sources of landlord-tenant disputes.

Entry Notice Requirements

Under Washington State law, landlords must provide advance written notice before entering a rental unit.

Typically:

• 48 hours for inspections or repairs
• 24 hours for showings
• Immediate access only for emergencies

Improper entry can result in tenant claims or legal disputes.

Why Seattle Compliance Requires Ongoing Attention

Seattle rental laws frequently evolve. Local ordinances may change with little notice, and enforcement has become increasingly structured.

For self-managing landlords, this means:

• Monitoring legal updates
• Maintaining updated lease agreements
• Tracking notice timelines carefully
• Keeping detailed documentation

Even experienced landlords can overlook compliance details that create significant legal exposure.

Protecting Your Rental Investment

Seattle remains a strong rental market but only for landlords who stay compliant.

Before leasing your property in 2026, review:

• RRIO registration status
• Published screening criteria
• Lease termination procedures
• Rent increase timelines
• Security deposit documentation

A proactive compliance review is far less expensive than defending a legal dispute.

If you are unsure whether your rental meets current Seattle landlord laws, consider scheduling a professional compliance review to protect your investment and reduce risk.