Are Seattle's Manual Rental Inspections Legal?

Seattle passed new inspection laws in 2012 which subjected Seattle landlords and tenants to new rules around property inspections. This mandatory program cycles through the city’s entire rental stock every 10 years, checking units in all rental buildings at random.

The program updates have not been well-received by many tenants and landlords. Tenants argue the inspections are an invasion of privacy as inspectors don't need to provide any advanced notice and need no warrant to enter a rental unit. Landlords claim the law adds unnecessary tension between the landlord-tenant relationship. Landlords are put in a position to try and coerce, or fine tenants who do not cooperate with inspectors and tenants feel the city is forcing their way into their unit.

In December a new lawsuit was filed by landlords and tenants that argues this law is unconstitutional and an invasion of privacy. Those who oppose the law are not against inspections, but they believe the current program is too extreme and should be updated to allow tenants the ability to refuse entry and request government inspectors as needed.

Homeowners should continue to register their units with the city and expect the inspections to occur for the foreseeable future. We'll continue to update our blog with updates to the law as it progresses. Contact Proper Rent if you have questions on how to register and stay in compliance with the city.