First In Time

The First-in-Time ordinance requires landlords to offer a rental agreement to the first qualified applicant who provides a complete application.

Seattle's First-in-Time protections require that you:

• Provide advance notice of minimum screening criteria.
• List all necessary documentation.
• Inform about the right to request additional time where needed, such as for translation or a reasonable accommodation for a disability. This is known as meaningful access.
• Date and time stamp applications in the order received.
• Screen applications in chronological order one at a time.
• Give a minimum of 72 hours to provide additional information for an otherwise complete application.
• Provide 48 hours for a response to an offer of a rental agreement. After 48 hours, you can proceed screening the next applicant in line.