KENT RENTAL HOUSING INSPECTION PROGRAM

Rental Housing Inspection Program – Kent, WA

Note: The following text is taken directly from the kentwa.gov website to ensure accuracy and relevance regarding the rental property inspection requirements. All rights are attributed to kentwa.gov.

Inspections Required:

The inspection cycle will begin in March with a formal notice to rental property owners located in the inspection area. Landlords must submit proof of passed inspection by November 1^st, in order to renew their multi-family business license by December 31st. 

Hire an inspector:

Choose a qualified inspector from our list of available private inspectors. Inspections will be conducted at the owner’s expense.  

Inspectable Units:

20 percent of the total number of units must be inspected. The specific units will be randomly selected by the City.

Unit Selection:

Upon hiring a qualified inspector, please e-mail the RHIP Coordinator at least 1 week prior to the scheduled inspection date.

The e-mail shall include the following information: name of inspector, scheduled date of inspection, total number of units, and unit numbering sequence (A1-10, B1-20). The landlord and hired inspector will receive an e-mail from the RHIP Coordinator identifying the randomly selected units and building(s) to be inspected prior to the inspection date.

Notification of Tenants:

Properties within an inspection year are required to notify ALL TENANTS that some units will be inspected and tenants whose units need repairs or maintenance should send written notice to the landlord as provided in RCW 59.18.070. The notice must also advise tenants that if the landlord fails to adequately respond to the request for repairs or maintenance, the tenants may contact City of Kent officials. A copy of the notice must be provided to the inspector upon request on the day of inspection. You may prepare your notices using this template.

Once you have scheduled an inspection, you must give your tenants a minimum of 48 hours’ notice of inspection per state law (RCW 59.18.150 (6). You may prepare your notices using this template.   

Inspection Checklist:

Each qualified rental housing inspector shall use the official City of Kent checklist when inspecting units.

Inspection:

Passing the Inspection: Both the landlord and the inspector must sign and submit the checklist to the RHIP coordinator. Once your property has passed the RHIP inspection, you will receive a Certificate of Compliance.

Failing the Inspection:  Both the landlord and the inspector must sign and submit the failed checklist to the RHIP coordinator, make the required corrections, and have the property re-inspected within the number of days specified by the City.

Re-inspection: Once the landlord has passed the re-inspection, the landlord will need to submit proof of repair (receipts, photos, permit numbers-if required) to the RHIP coordinator.  

Submitting Documents:

Online submission of inspection documents is required. A $15 per address submittal fee will be charged at the time of submittal.