Landlord-Tenant Information 
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Landlord-Tenant Law I Tenant Relocation I Other Housing and Related Information I Interpreter Service I Other Important Information

 

Landlord-Tenant Law

 

What all Seattle landlords and tenants need to know.

  • Info for Tenants - A summary of Seattle and Washington State landlord/tenant laws

Translated versions available: Amharic, Cambodian / Khmer, Chinese / 中文, Korean / 한국어, Lao / Laotian / Phaasaa Laao, Oromiffa, Russian / русский язык, Somali / af Soomaali, Spanish / Español, Tagalog, Thai, Tigrinya, and  Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt

Printed copies of this information, both in translation and English versions, can be obtained at the DPD Public Resource Center. 

This city ordinance regulates the termination of month-to-month rental agreements within the City of Seattle.  Its provisions are enforced by DPD.  For more information call (206) 615-0808.

See Client Assistance Memo (CAM) 604,Seattle Laws On Property Owner and Tenant Rights and Responsibilities, for up-to-date information for landlords and tenants. 

Translated versions available: Amharic, Cambodian / Khmer, Chinese / 中文, Korean / 한국어, Lao / Laotian / Phaasaa Laao, Oromiffa, Russian / русский язык, Somali / af Soomaali, Spanish / Español, Tagalog, Thai, Tigrinya, and  Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt

Also see Client Assistance Memo(CAM) 604A, Seattle Laws Regarding Building Maintenance and Repair.

This portion of the City of Seattle Housing and Building Maintenance Code lists actions that property owners and tenants must not commit.  Both sections of the code are enforced by the Seattle Police Department.

Officers with the Community Police Teams can be contacted by calling your local police precinct.

This city ordinance prohibits the use of “one-way leases”, requires 60 days advance written notice for a rent increase of 10% or more in a 12 month period, and requires the distribution of summaries of City and State landlord tenant laws.   This ordinance is not enforced by DPD.

Also see CAM 607, Seattle's Rental Agreement Regulation Ordinance, for more information. 

This ordinance regulates the condition of rental housing within the City.  DPD enforces this ordinance on a complaint-base system.  Call (206) 615-0808 for more information or to file a complaint.

See also CAM 604A, Seattle Laws Regarding Building Maintenance and Repair.

This ordinance governs how land can be used within the City of Seattle.  DPD enforces this title on a complaint-base system. Call (206) 615-0808 for more information or to file a complaint.

This state law provides the major regulatory scheme for the landlord-tenant relationship in Washington.  The City of Seattle does not enforce this law.

This statue governs the eviction process.  DPD plays no role in the eviction process.

 

Tenant Relocation

 

The ordinance requires a property owner to pay relocation assistance to low-income tenants displaced by the demolition, substantial rehabilitation, change use, or removal of use restrictions on their housing unit.  The amount of relocation assistance is currently $3,002.00, paid in equal shares by the City of Seattle and the property owner.

Also see CAM 123, Seattle's Tenant Relocation Assistance Ordinance 

This is a state law that regulates the payment of relocation assistance to tenant households that are displaced by the closure of a mobile home park.  The City of Seattle is responsible for approving the relocation plan related to the park closure.  The State of Washington handles the payment of assistance.

 

Other Housing and Housing- Related Information

 

  • DPD CAM Index
  • Move in condition checklist (coming soon)

 

Interpreter Service

 

An interpreter service for the non-English-speaking public is available to assist in obtaining information, filing a complaint, and obtaining the documents listed on this website by calling (206) 615-0808.

 

Other Important Information

 

Conflict Resolution Training for Landlords and Tenants: Contact the King County Dispute Resolution Center at (206) 443-9603.