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Last verified: · Confidence: high
When is rental registration or license renewal due in Seattle?
Short answer
RRIO rental registration: register before renting; renew every 2 years by the certificate's expiration date
When: Every 2 years from the registration date
Register each rental property with SDCI's Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) program and renew every two years by the expiration date on the certificate (SDCI sends a reminder about 60 days ahead). Fee as of January 2026: $126 per property including the first unit, plus $31.50 per additional unit.
"Rental housing properties (with a few exceptions) must be registered with the RRIO program. As of January 2019, this includes short-term rentals that are not owner occupied." seattle.gov
"Rental property owners must renew the property registration every two years by the expiration date listed on the registration certificate." seattle.gov
"As of January 2026, the cost to renew a rental registration is $126.00* for each property, including the first unit, plus $31.50* for each additional unit." seattle.gov
RRIO rental registration: register before renting; renew every 2 years by the certificate's expiration date Verified
Deadline: Every 2 years from the registration date
Register each rental property with SDCI's Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) program and renew every two years by the expiration date on the certificate (SDCI sends a reminder about 60 days ahead). Fee as of January 2026: $126 per property including the first unit, plus $31.50 per additional unit.
Who it covers: Applies to rental housing in Seattle with a few exceptions (for example owner-occupied rentals and Seattle Housing Authority units); includes non-owner-occupied short-term rentals since January 2019. Renewal declares that units meet the RRIO checklist. Penalties for not registering: $150 per day for the first 10 days, then $500 per day.
"Rental housing properties (with a few exceptions) must be registered with the RRIO program. As of January 2019, this includes short-term rentals that are not owner occupied." seattle.gov
"Rental property owners must renew the property registration every two years by the expiration date listed on the registration certificate." seattle.gov
"As of January 2026, the cost to renew a rental registration is $126.00* for each property, including the first unit, plus $31.50* for each additional unit." seattle.gov
"We will reach out owners and property managers approximately 60 days prior to the registration expiration by mail and email using the contact information on the registration." seattle.gov
"There are some exceptions, such as Seattle Housing Authority housing, owner-occupied rentals, and accessory dwelling units (often referred to as "in-law apartments")." seattle.gov
"Penalties are $150 per day for the first 10 days and $500 per day after that." seattle.gov
Notes: Seattle Municipal Code Ch. 22.214 (code text not snapshotted); SDCI RRIO pages.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction