We revised the rat abatement forms required for getting demolition permits. Under the new process, applicants will file a declaration with their permit application affirming they understand the rat abatement requirement. There will be no hold on issuance of the demolition permit. At the first ground disturbance inspection, prior to the start of demolition, the applicant or contractor will provide a certification from a pest control company. The certification will confirm the date the rat abatement program started and confirm that the abatement program will continue until demolition actually starts.
Changes to Rules for Vacant Buildings
On September 8, the Mayor signed Ordinance 125399, which updates provisions for the maintenance and demolition of vacant buildings. The ordinance becomes effective on October 9, 2017.
Repairs Over Water? Check With the City First.
SDCI is reminding residents that if they need to make any repair over water they need to check with the City of Seattle first. Two common shoreline violations are unauthorized pier repair and the use of pressure-treated wood for pier surfaces.
New Deposit and Move-in Fee Limits and Payment Plans
The City of Seattle has made important changes to the City’s Rental Agreement Regulation Ordinance. Future rental agreements in the City of Seattle must follow these requirements: Security Deposit, Pet Deposit, and Move-in Fee Limits; Payment Plans Required; and Security Deposit Returns.
New Rules for Landlords Help Protect Tenants
On July 10, new legislation became effective that prohibits rent increases on units that fail to meet minimum rental housing standards and gives Seattle DCI enforcement authority over “prohibited acts by owners.”
New Tenant Protections Effective July 10
On July 10, the Carl Haglund Law becomes effective. The new legislation prohibits Seattle landlords from raising rent on units that fail to meet minimum rental housing standards. If a tenant believes their rent increase is not allowed under the new rules, the tenant must inform the landlord in writing (e-mail is allowed), after receiving notice of the rent increase, of any conditions that would fail the RRIO checklist. Tenants may then contact Seattle DCI through the general complaint line at (206) 615-0808.
City Recognized for Rental Registration & Inspection Program
The Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts recently announced the winners of the 22nd Annual Communicator Awards. Out of the 6,000 entries received, the City of Seattle was recognized for outstanding achievement in publicizing Seattle’s new Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO).
Reminder: Rental Inspection Process Video Available in Several Languages
Do you rent in Seattle? The City of Seattle’s Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) program helps ensure safe and healthy housing for all Seattle renters. Through the RRIO program, we can make sure all rental properties meet minimum maintenance standards.
Rental Inspection Process Video Available in Several Languages
Do you rent in Seattle? The City of Seattle’s Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) program helps ensure safe and healthy housing for all Seattle renters. Through the RRIO program, we can make sure all rental properties meet minimum maintenance standards. The RRIO Inspection Video is available in English and in the following languages: Amharic, Chinese, Khmer, Korean, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tirgrinya, and Vietnamese.
Code Compliance 2015 in Review
2015 was another great year for Seattle DCI’s Code Compliance unit. We: completed our first full year of rental registrations; started registering floating on water residences; worked with Finance and Administrative Services to identify marijuana businesses and get them in for permitting; and saw an almost 50 percent increase in unique contacts to Code Compliance.