Seattle requires rental properties to be registered under its Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance, and caps a security deposit plus move-in fees at one month's rent.
Seattle layers registration, move-in charge limits and long rent-increase notice on top of Washington law. Each changes the cash you need at lease-up and how quickly you can adjust rent. For the Washington rules that apply statewide, see DSCR loans in Washington.
What does Seattle's rental registration cost?
Seattle's Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance requires rental housing to be registered every two years, at $126 per property including the first unit plus $31.50 per additional unit, under the fee schedule in effect as of January 2026.
- Each property must meet an inspection requirement at least once every 5 to 10 years.
- Filing results from a private inspector carries a $63 fee.
Exception: Some properties are exempt. Check the city's RRIO pages for the specific property.
According to Seattle SDCI, RRIO for owners and managers and the RRIO program fees (as of January 2026), as of October 2026.
How much can a Seattle landlord collect at move-in?
Under Seattle Municipal Code chapter 7.24, a security deposit plus nonrefundable move-in fees cannot exceed one month's rent, move-in fees are capped at 10% of the first month's rent, and pet deposits are capped at 25% of the first month's rent.
| Charge | Seattle limit |
|---|---|
| Security deposit plus move-in fees | One month's rent combined |
| Move-in fees | 10% of first month's rent |
| Pet deposit | 25% of first month's rent |
Exception: Tenants can pay the deposit, fees and last month's rent in installments, up to six payments on leases of six months or more.
According to Seattle SDCI, Move-in charges, as of October 2026.
What notice does a Seattle rent increase require?
Every housing cost increase in Seattle requires at least 180 days' written notice, and an increase totaling 10% or more within 12 months triggers Economic Displacement Relocation Assistance of three times the monthly housing cost for eligible tenants who move, which the landlord reimburses to the city.
- Eligibility covers tenant households at or below 80% of Seattle area median income who give notice to vacate.
Exception: Read the city's guidance on calculating the 10% threshold before sending any increase notice.
According to the City of Seattle, Economic Displacement Relocation Assistance, as of October 2026.
Does Seattle add a real estate excise tax on a purchase?
Yes. The Washington Department of Revenue lists Seattle's local real estate excise tax at 0.50%, on top of the state rate, which depends on the selling price and the property's use.
- The rate table is effective May 1, 2026.
Exception: The state REET rates are not listed on that table. Get the full figure from the escrow company.
According to the Washington Department of Revenue local REET rate table (effective May 1, 2026), as of October 2026.
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This page is general education about business-purpose real estate financing and state law as published by official sources on the date shown. It is not legal, tax or lending advice, not an offer to lend and not a rate quote. Laws and lender guidelines change; confirm current rules with the lender, the title company and your own attorney or tax adviser.