Seattle Tenant Rights and Resources

Before you rent a place, or even if you are already renting, become familiar with tenant rights and the resources specific to your city and state that are available to assist you.

Research your Seattle Apartment

You can research an apartment and get a comprehensive background report on the property. We recommend these tools:

Search Seattle Permit and Property Records

General Information for Seattle Residents

City of Seattle Newcomers Guide – Seattle.gov page for new and incoming residents including information about utilities, movers and moving resources, public transportation and more

City of Seattle Housing Guide – Renters – Seattle.gov page dedicated to tips and resources for renters in Seattle.

Better Business Bureau – Helps you find businesses and brands in your area that you can trust

Tenants Issue’s in Seattle

Information for Tenants – Relevant Seattle Landlord/Tenant Laws. Under Seattle Municipal Code, landlords are required to provide a copy of this document to all applicants and tenants.

Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SCDI) – Landlord/tenant resources for Seattle residents

Make a Property or Building Complaint – Report a complaint to the Seattle department of Construction and Inspections to identify potential violations of  housing, construction, noise, and other codes.

Renting – SCDI – Hub of resources and topics specific to renters in Seattle. Find links to information regarding problems with rental units, evictions, housing code, and more.

Rental Agreement Regulation – The Seattle Municipal Code regulates parts of the rental agreement between a landlord and a tenant. Read more about it here.

Legal Resources for Seattle

Attorney General – View the Washington State Office of the Attorney General Landlord-Tenant Resources

Housing Building and Maintenance Code – Link to the actual housing and maintenance sections of Seattle Municipal Code.

Washington Law Help – A library of free “know your rights” articles, videos, court forms and do-it-yourself packets covering many common legal issues including housing. This site also includes a directory of legal aid programs in Washington state. A good place to start researching your legal issue.

Northwest Justice Organization – Provides legal assistance to eligible low-income families and individuals needing help with civil (non-criminal) legal problems in Washington state.

Disclaimer: Off Campus Housing and Support Services provides information to Northeastern University students, faculty and staff members solely as a courtesy. Northeastern does not endorse any of the housing options listed. Northeastern University accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of housing listings with the office. Contact with persons listed herein must be conducted independently and at your own risk.  The university does not screen, recommend, vouch for, or take responsibility for the condition or safety of housing arrangements made by students.