RRIO stands for Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance—Seattle's program requiring rental properties to register with the city and undergo periodic safety inspections. Here's what it means for you as a renter.
What is RRIO?
RRIO is a Seattle program that:
- Requires all rental properties to be registered with the city
- Mandates safety inspections every 5-10 years
- Ensures rentals meet minimum housing standards
- Creates a public database of registered rentals
The program was designed to protect tenants by ensuring rental properties are safe and habitable.
What Do Inspectors Check?
RRIO Inspection Checklist
- Smoke & CO detectors — Working and properly placed
- Heating system — Functional and safe
- Electrical system — No hazards, proper grounding
- Plumbing — Hot/cold water, no leaks
- Structural integrity — Floors, walls, ceilings
- Windows & doors — Operable, secure, egress
- Weather protection — No leaks, proper weatherization
- Common areas — Safe stairs, handrails, lighting
What Does Registration Status Mean?
Registered & Compliant
The property is registered with the city and has passed its most recent inspection. This is what you want to see.
Registered — Inspection Pending
The property is registered but awaiting inspection. This isn't necessarily bad—the program schedules inspections over time.
Not Registered
Red flag. The property is not registered with RRIO. This could mean the landlord is operating illegally or avoiding inspections.
Why RRIO Matters to Renters
RRIO Protects You By:
- • Ensuring basic safety standards are met
- • Creating accountability for landlords
- • Providing a record of property compliance
- • Identifying landlords who cut corners
- • Giving you leverage if issues arise
How to Check RRIO Status
You can check any Seattle property's RRIO status:
- Use StreetSmart — Search any Seattle address and we'll show you RRIO status along with other building info
- Seattle RRIO Portal — Visit the city's official RRIO lookup tool
What If a Property Isn't Registered?
Red Flags for Unregistered Properties
- • The landlord may be operating illegally
- • The property may not meet safety standards
- • You may have fewer protections if problems arise
- • It could be a scam listing
If you discover a property isn't registered, you can:
- Ask the landlord — There may be a legitimate reason (new conversion, in process)
- Walk away — Consider it a red flag and find another place
- Report it — Contact the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI)
Properties Exempt from RRIO
Some properties are exempt from RRIO:
- Owner-occupied buildings with fewer than 2 units
- Hotels and motels
- Certain subsidized housing
- Properties outside Seattle city limits
How Often Are Inspections?
RRIO inspections occur on a cycle:
- Initial inspection — Required when first registered
- Subsequent inspections — Every 5-10 years depending on compliance history
- Re-inspection — If issues are found, follow-up inspection after repairs
What RRIO Means for Current Tenants
If you already live in a rental:
- You'll be notified — Before an inspection, tenants are typically notified
- Inspectors need access — Landlords must provide access to units
- Issues must be fixed — If problems are found, landlords must repair them
- No retaliation — Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants related to inspections
Check RRIO Status Instantly
Search any Seattle address to see registration and more.
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