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

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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

*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.

Inspectors check for working door locks, functional appliances, intact windows, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, adequate emergency escape routes, and other safety items. Download the inspection checklist.

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.

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

Tenant resources