Seattle RRIO: rental registration and inspection requirements
Updated August 2026 · 5 min read
Seattle RRIO registration is valid for two years. Registered properties are inspected at least once every 5 to 10 years, and late registrations carry a $52.50 mandatory fee.
Who needs to register
Seattle's Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO), SMC Chapter 22.214, requires rental housing units to be registered with the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI). Coverage includes single-family homes, apartments, and accessory dwelling units such as basement apartments and backyard cottages. Some exceptions apply, including commercial lodging, state-licensed facilities, and government-owned housing. Check the city's RRIO page to confirm whether a specific property is covered.
What registration requires and costs
Registration is valid for two years. As of January 2026, the city lists $126 for each property, including its first rental unit, plus $31.50 for each additional unit at the same property. The city says these fees include a 5% SDCI technology fee. Confirm the current fee before paying.
The inspection cycle
The city says all registered properties will be inspected at least once every 5 to 10 years. The exact interval for a given property is set by the city, so track the inspection date separately from the two-year registration.
What happens if you don't comply
Missing a registration deadline, skipping a required inspection, or failing a checklist item can lead to a Notice of Violation with a compliance date. After that date, penalties begin to accrue. The city charges a $52.50 mandatory late fee on late registrations and overdue inspections. Appeals must be submitted in writing within 10 days of service of the Notice of Violation. Check the city's violations and penalties flyer for the current penalty schedule.
Keeping the registration and inspection on the same compliance calendar is the simplest way to avoid these penalties.
Frequently asked questions
How often must Seattle RRIO registration be renewed?
Registration is valid for two years, according to the city.
What does Seattle RRIO cost?
As of January 2026, $126 for each property including its first rental unit, plus $31.50 for each additional unit, including a 5% technology fee.
How often are RRIO properties inspected?
The city says at least once every 5 to 10 years.
What is the late fee?
The city charges a $52.50 mandatory late fee on late registrations and overdue inspections.
Sources
Figures in this guide come from these official sources. Rules change, so confirm with the source before acting.
- seattle.gov/documents/departments/sdci/codes/rrio/rrioprogramfees.pdf
- Registration is valid for 2 years; properties inspected at least once every 5-10 years.
- $126 per property including first unit, plus $31.50 per additional unit (as of January 2026, including 5% technology fee).
- seattle.gov/documents/Departments/SDCI/Codes/RRIO/RRIOViolationsand…
- $52.50 mandatory late fee on late registrations and overdue inspections; appeals within 10 days of Notice of Violation.
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