A beautiful listing doesn't mean a building is well-managed. Before signing a lease in Seattle, you should research the building, the management company, and verify everything is legitimate. This checklist will help you avoid problem landlords and scams.
Quick Building Research
Search any Seattle address to see building information, RRIO status, and more—all in one place.
Search a Building1. Check RRIO Registration Status
Seattle's Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) requires all rental properties to be registered and inspected for safety standards. This is your first check.
What RRIO Tells You
- • Registration status — Is the property legally registered?
- • Inspection history — When was it last inspected?
- • Safety compliance — Did it pass inspection?
- • Owner information — Who owns the property?
An unregistered property is a red flag—it may mean the landlord is avoiding inspections or operating illegally.
Learn more about RRIO inspections →2. Verify Property Ownership
Make sure the person renting to you actually owns (or legally manages) the property:
- King County Assessor — Search the address at eRealProperty to see the legal owner
- Match names — The landlord's name should match ownership records or be an authorized property manager
- Verify management company — If a company manages it, verify they're legitimate
Scam Alert
A common scam involves someone posing as the owner of a vacant unit. Always verify ownership before sending any money.
3. Read Online Reviews
Search for reviews from current and former residents:
- Google Reviews — Search the building address or name
- Yelp — Many larger buildings have Yelp pages
- ApartmentRatings.com — Detailed reviews of apartment buildings
- Reddit r/Seattle — Search for discussions about the building or management company
- Facebook — Some buildings have resident groups
Pay attention to patterns in reviews. One bad review might be a disgruntled tenant, but consistent complaints about maintenance, pests, or management are serious red flags.
4. Research the Management Company
The management company often matters more than the building itself:
What to Check
- • BBB rating — Check the Better Business Bureau
- • Other properties — How are their other buildings reviewed?
- • Lawsuits — Search for tenant lawsuits or complaints
- • Responsiveness — How quickly do they respond during the application process?
5. Visit in Person (Multiple Times)
Don't just visit once during a scheduled showing:
- Visit at different times — Day, night, weekday, weekend
- Check common areas — Are they clean? Well-maintained?
- Look at the parking area — Safe? Well-lit?
- Observe other residents — Do they seem happy?
- Check the neighborhood — Walk around the block
- Notice the building exterior — Signs of deferred maintenance?
6. What to Check During Your Viewing
Apartment Viewing Checklist
- Water pressure (shower, sinks)
- Hot water (how long to heat?)
- Cell phone reception
- All outlets work
- Appliances function
- Windows open and seal
- Signs of pests
- Noise levels
- Natural light
- Closet and storage space
7. Talk to Current Residents
If possible, chat with people who live in the building:
- How responsive is management to maintenance requests?
- Any pest problems?
- How's the noise level?
- Any issues with mail/packages?
- Would they recommend living here?
You can often catch residents in common areas, laundry rooms, or outside the building.
Red Flags to Watch For
Warning Signs
- • Not registered with RRIO — May be operating illegally
- • Multiple negative reviews — Especially about maintenance or pests
- • Landlord won't provide contact info — You should have a way to reach them
- • Pressure to sign immediately — Legitimate landlords give you time to decide
- • Cash only / no receipts — Always get written documentation
- • Won't provide lease in advance — You should review before signing
- • Building looks neglected — Deferred maintenance is a bad sign
Research Any Seattle Building
Search any address for RRIO status, building info, and more.
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