Rental Registration Program

To track, support and ensure quality rental housing within the city, landlords and property managers are required annually to register residential rental properties located in the City of Renton.

Qualifying Rental Properties

Landlords and Property Management Companies are required to register owner-occupied duplexes and homes renting an ADU, renter-occupied single family homes, condos, duplexes, triplexes, etc. or apartment complexes. Commercial lodging, single room or short-term rentals MUST have a Renton Business License, but do not need to register. If you are unsure if your rental type qualifies, please contact the Rental Registration Program for guidance.

Infographic showing text and pictures of which rental units need to register and which don't.

Changing Utilities to a Tenant's Name

To change utilities over to the tenant's name, property owners must complete the Residential Tenant Billing Form, including the Rental Registration Number. The form must be notarized if you are out of state.

Completed forms can be submitted via:

Email: ub@rentonwa.gov

Fax: 425-430-6855

Mail: Utility Billing
1055 South Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057

I am a Landlord

How to Register or Renew

Registration is required annually on or before January 1st, and can be completed online at: Online Rental Registration. If you require an alternate method to register, please contact the Rental Registration Program by phone or email.

Program Requirements

The Rental Registration program enforces the Washington State Landlord-Tenant Act and the building and property standards of Renton. The program does not impose additional fees or standards.

Landlord Duties

Violations & Inspections

Suspected violations can be reported online via Renton Responds . A City Inspector will verify the legitimacy of the violation, and if verified - issue a Warning of Violation to the landlord. The landlord has 15 days to respond and must correct the violation. The City Inspector may verify the corrected violation to close the case or, in some cases (such as mold or water damage) require a third party inspector be hired to verify the corrected violation. In these cases, the landlord must submit an inspection report to the City before the case can be closed.

Third Party Inspector List

Infographic describing the violation process from report to close

Penalties

Penalties are outline in Chapters 1-3 of the Renton Municipal Code. To prevent penalties, communicate with you Code Enforcement Inspector and actively work to correct violations.

I am a Tenant

Program Protections

The Rental Registration program enforces the Washington State Landlord-Tenant Act and the building and property standards of Renton to ensure the quality and safety of rental properties in Renton.

Tenant Responsibilities

Reporting a Violation

Suspected violations can be reported online via Renton Responds. A City Inspector will verify the legitimacy of the violation, and if verified - issue a Warning of Violation to the landlord. The landlord has 15 days to respond and must correct the violation. The City Inspector may verify the corrected violation to close the case or, in some cases (such as mold or water damage) require a third party inspector be hired to verify the corrected violation. In these cases, the landlord must submit an inspection report to the City before the case can be closed.

Affordable Rental Housing

Affordable rental housing opportunities are available to applicants who qualify. Browse options and qualification requirements via King County Housing Authority, Renton Housing Authority and City of Renton's listing of affordable rental housing.

King County Housing Authority

Renton Housing Authority

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need City of Renton Business License?

Anyone conducting business in the City of Renton is required to have a City of Renton Business License. This includes property management companies that managing properties in Renton and short-term rentals or at-home businesses. Landlords (including apartment complexes) are not required to have a business license at this time.

For more information, visit the City of Renton's Business page.