What Is RRIO?
The Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) was established by the Seattle City Council after an extensive public involvement process. RRIO helps ensure that all rental housing in Seattle is safe and meets basic housing maintenance requirements. Starting in 2014, all rental property owners in Seattle must register their properties with the City. Inspectors will make sure all registered properties comply with minimum housing and safety standards at least once every 10 years.
Why Does Seattle Need It?
The 2009 American Housing Survey (part of the U.S. Census) showed that an estimated 10 percent of Seattle-area rental housing has “moderate to severe” physical problems. Seattle has approximately 148,000 rental housing units. Some of these rentals do not meet minimum housing standards. Historically, Seattle relied only on a complaint-based system to address rental problems. RRIO creates a system to address issues, even when renters do not complain. RRIO will also increase awareness of housing standards among existing and future property owners, managers, and renters. For more information on the program visit www.seattle.gov/RRIO.
Who will do RRIO Inspections?
Seattle will require rental housing inspections beginning in 2015. Property owners may choose to use a private qualified rental housing inspector to meet the RRIO inspection requirement. The inspector must have at least one of these certifications:
- American Association of Code Enforcement Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector certification
- International Code Council Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector certification
- International Code Council Residential Building (Code) Inspector certification
- Washington State home inspector certification under RCW 18.280
First property including the first unit $120.00. Additional units on the same property$20.00.
Number of Rental Units Base Fee Unit Fee
1 $125 Single Family Home
2 $120 $20.00
3 to 10 $120 $25.00 per unit(s)
10 or more units $120 $25.00 per unit(s)
More infomation can be found in the Seattle DPD documentation
What you need to know:
The Rule:
SMC 22.214.050 Section G what and when and you need to inspect
RRIO Inspection check list and references