Government
Rental Housing
SmartGov system launch — Oct 6, 2026 | Submission deadline: Sept 22
We’re upgrading to a new permitting system, SmartGov, between September 21 and October 6:
- Sept 21–25: Brief service interruptions while staff complete training; specific times posted in advance
- Sept 22: Last day to submit new applications in the current system. No new permit applications will be accepted from the end of business day on Sept 22 through start of business day Oct 6.
- Sept 25, end of business (Friday): TRAKiT will be shut off. No correction or revision submittals will be accepted from Sept 25 EOB through the SmartGov launch on Oct 6.
- Sept 28–Oct 5: Permit Center closed to the public for final processing and transition prep
- Oct 1–5: Inspections continue as scheduled, but results are recorded on paper and entered into SmartGov starting Oct 6
- Oct 6: SmartGov goes live and the Permit Center reopens
Plan ahead for time-sensitive applications. More details on SmartGov coming soon.
Submission deadline
Center closed
TRAKiT shut off (EOB)
Inspections on paper
SmartGov live
All rental units in Tukwila are required to be licensed and inspected annually. Use the portal below to apply for a Rental Business License, download your license or Inspection Certificate, or make a payment.
→ Rental Business License Portal
Need help with online payments?
For renters
All rental units must be licensed and inspected. To check the status of a rental unit or request a courtesy inspection if you have concerns about your living conditions, contact the Rental Housing Program:
For owners and property managers
All owners of residential rental property must obtain an annual Rental Business License and have every unit inspected prior to initial occupancy and once every four years. This applies to multi-family developments, single-family houses, condominiums, and ADUs. Short-term rentals are not allowed in multi-family dwellings.
All licenses expire December 31 and must be renewed by January 31. Late fees begin accruing March 1 at $15/month.
2026 Rental Business License fees
| Up to 4 units | $93 |
| 5–20 units | $241 |
| 21–50 units | $302 |
| 51 or more units | $375 |
*Late fees apply.
Rental unit inspections
A rental inspection is required before initial tenant occupancy and generally once every four years, based on geographic zone.
City inspectors serve properties with 12 or fewer units ($88/unit for the first 4, then $41/unit up to 12). For 13 or more units, contact a pre-approved private inspector.
A private inspector must hold at least one of the following credentials:
- Washington State Licensed Architect
- Washington State Licensed Home Inspector
- Certified AACE Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector
- Certified ICC Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector
- Certified ICC Residential Building Code Inspector
View the list of approved private inspectors. To use an inspector not on this list, contact us for approval before inspections are conducted.
Units occupied by a Section 8 tenant are exempt from City inspection requirements, but owners must submit documentation of current occupancy and still obtain an annual Rental Business License.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Since 2017, all multi-family rental properties with 2 or more units must document an IPM Program using the IPM Documentation Worksheet.
IPM Guide for Affordable Housing
Additional IPM Resources
Managing Pests in Multifamily Housing
StopPests’ IPM Coordinator Training
Tenant resources
Rental Housing Hours
Monday – Thursday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.
6300 Southcenter Blvd., #100
Tukwila, WA 98188
CONTACT US
☏ (206) 431-3674