The City of Seattle desires an effective means to address problem rental housing units and improve rental housing conditions for Seattle residents. While the City recognizes that the great majority of housing units in the city meet basic standards of habitability, we know that there are some units that clearly do not.  The City currently has a complaint-based system; potential violations are reported to the department, we then inspect, and if violations are found, action is taken to gain compliance.  This program will continue.  However, not all and perhaps some of the most egregious are never reported due to lack of concern about the condition, lack of knowledge of basic code standards, fear of retaliation, or lack of familiarity with the system. In June 2010, the Seattle City Council adopted Ordinance 123311, creating a rental housing licensing and inspection program, which is meant to address these problems.

The Council also adopted Resolution 31221 at the same time, requesting that the DPD report back with recommendations for implementing the program after gathering input from a stakeholder group on a number of policy questions. DPD has convened a Stakeholder Group and the group is serving to provide DPD input on a number of policy questions concerning the licensing and inspection requirements.

Any legislative action that Council may take as a result of the work of this group will include opportunity for public input.

Download the Seattle Rental Housing Licensing and Inspections overview flyer.