Code Enforcement

In many cities, code enforcement offices send inspectors to check rental housing for violations. However, not all cities enforce all tenant rights or conduct inspections. Inspectors may contact landlords directly to ensure compliance with housing codes. You usually need to notify your landlord in writing about needed repairs and wait for a specified timeframe before involving code enforcement. Some cities inspect and penalize housing and tenant rights violations. If your city provides inspections, ask for a copy of their report—it can be very helpful!

1. Housing Standards: Cities have regulations in place to ensure that rental properties meet minimum standards for habitability and safety (some in the form of rental registrations!), including requirements for heating, plumbing, electrical systems, and structural integrity.

2. Maintenance Requirements: Landlords are usually responsible for maintaining rental properties. This includes addressing issues such as pest infestations, mold, and other maintenance problems. In dangerous situations, such as if your unit lacks water or electricity, it could be condemned by the city code enforcers.

4. Tenant Rights: Washington State has laws that protect the rights of tenants (including laws related to eviction, security deposits, and discrimination). Some code enforcement agencies may help tenants understand and enforce their rights under these laws or local protections.

5. Building and Zoning Codes: code enforcement agencies enforce regulations specific to rental properties, building codes and zoning or construction regulations.

BELOW ARE SOME CITY CODE COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT INFORMATION, NOT A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF ALL REGIONAL CODE ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

Reminder: that most city and government agencies have accommodations for everyone with disabilities and folks who speak or read languages other than English. Ask any city representative for your access needs to be met!

• Seattle: Department of Construction & Inspections - SDCI: Seattle’s Code Enforcement agency for housing and building codes. Renters can reach them by phone at 206-615-0808 or file a complaint with the city online at Code Compliance Complaint - Seattle Services Portal

• Spokane City: Code Enforcement: For questions on the rental registry, email [email protected] or review the Spokane Code Enforcement website for other resources and ordinance updates

• Burien: Information and Code Compliance for Renters: The City of Burien established a Rental Housing Inspection Program in September 2019 which began in 2021 ( Ordinance 716 ). The program protects the public health, safety, and welfare of tenants by encouraging the proper maintenance of rental housing by identifying and requiring correction of substandard housing conditions.

• Tacoma: Code Compliance and Enforcement - To report a new code compliance issue, call TacomaFIRST 311 at 253-591-5000 or report online.

• Bellevue City Code Compliance: Call 425-452-4570 or if you are hearing-impaired call 711 or email [email protected]. Folks can also report violations online MyBellevue Customer Assistance

• Yakima County: Code Enforcement for Yakima County ordinances

• Covington: Code Enforcement Report potential code violation by completing Covington Connects report online or call to make a request for action at 253-480-2400.