Welcome to Renting in Seattle! This web site aims to provide comprehensive information and resources on rental regulations and fair housing laws in the City of Seattle as well as tips and best practices for successful renting. Whether you are a renter or a housing provider, there is a lot to know.
Seattle requires that landlords provide the Renter's Handbook when signing an initial rental agreement, and digital copies thereafter annually, or when updates to the handbook are made by the City.
Updated Renter's Handbook!
The 2nd edition of the handbook is finally here!
Our goal is to make the rental process, and the rights and obligations of the rental community, clear and accessible.
The handbook is organized as a companion to this web site. You can find information in the table of contents organized across the various stages in the renting cycle or search for a specific term in the index at the back.
We designed the handbook based on decades of experience in handling landlord/tenant issues and with input from community stakeholders, and colleagues across the many City departments that touch on rental housing.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions and City office closures we are currently unable to distribute printed copies. Until such time as we have a safe way to distribute printed copies, you can download our printer-friendly version of the Renter's Handbook.
For hard copies, you can order from the Rental Housing Association at a nominal cost for shipping and handling. You do not have to be a member of RHA to order handbooks.
Click www.rhawa.org/products/printed-materials-for-tenants to order, $3.30 for one book, or $12.30 for a pack of 10 books. You do not have to be a subscribed member of RHA to order handbooks.
Translated versions available soon: Amharic Chinese(Simplified) Chinese(Traditional)
Khmer Korean Lao Oromo Russian Somali Spanish Thai
New! Economic Displacement Relocation Assistance (EDRA) Effective July 1
The Economic Displacement Relocation Assistance, or EDRA, ordinance applies to notices of housing cost increase issued on or after July 1. The increase must equal or exceed 10% by itself or when combined with other increases in the 12 month period before the new increase takes effect.
Landlords are required to attach an EDRA notice whenever housing costs are increased by 10%+ within a 12 month period. All housing cost increases in Seattle require 180 days advance notice.
The EDRA notice is translated in Amharic, Chinese (Traditional), Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Income-eligible tenant households may qualify for financial help to move if they intend to vacate before the increase takes effect.
Find more information on EDRA for renters and EDRA for landlords.
Eviction Moratorium Expired February 28, 2022
Read the Mayor's eviction moratorium announcement. Visit our eviction assistance page for both renters and landlords to learn about post-moratorium regulations and resources.
