Kent, WA local landlord rules
State law also applies. See Washington landlord-tenant law and the Washington landlord FAQ. State rules: Security deposit limit · Deposit return deadline · Notice to enter · Late fees · Eviction notice (nonpayment) · Rent increase notice.
Quick facts
| Topic | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Rental licensing / registration | Yes. Kent runs a Rental Housing Registration and Inspection Program. Residential rental properties covered by the business license rules must be inspected once every 3 years by a qualified rental housing inspector and get a certificate of inspection. |
| Rental inspections | Licensed rental properties must be inspected every three years by a qualified rental housing inspector, and the owner must submit a certificate of inspection. The code states: "All residential rental properties subject to the business license requirements of this chapter must be inspected once every three years by a qualified rental housing inspector and will require a certificate of inspection within a time period established by the director" (§ 10.02.070). |
Details & sources
Rental licensing / registration
Yes. Kent runs a Rental Housing Registration and Inspection Program. Residential rental properties covered by the business license rules must be inspected once every 3 years by a qualified rental housing inspector and get a certificate of inspection.
Verified Source: Kent City Code ch. 10.02 (§ 10.02.070) · last checked 2026-10-26
Back to quick facts ↑Rental inspections
Licensed rental properties must be inspected every three years by a qualified rental housing inspector, and the owner must submit a certificate of inspection. The code states: "All residential rental properties subject to the business license requirements of this chapter must be inspected once every three years by a qualified rental housing inspector and will require a certificate of inspection within a time period established by the director" (§ 10.02.070).
Verified Source: Kent Municipal Code § 10.02.070 · last checked 2026-10-16
Back to quick facts ↑Research coverage
0 of 13 topics checked at the local level (state law is covered on the state page). A topic counts as checked only when every subtopic in it is checked or no additional requirement was found after a recorded full read. How coverage works.
| Topic | Status | Subtopics done |
|---|---|---|
| Deposits | Not researched | 0 of 2 |
| Deposit return deadlines | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Rent increases and rent control | Not researched | 0 of 1 |
| Late fees | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Landlord entry | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Repairs and habitability | Not researched | 0 of 1 |
| Screening and application fees | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Fair housing and assistance animals | Not researched | 0 of 1 |
| Disclosures | Not researched | 0 of 2 |
| Renewal and termination | Not researched | None tracked at this level |
| Eviction | Not researched | 0 of 3 |
| Registration and licensing | Partially researched | 2 of 3 |
| Short-term rentals | Not researched | 0 of 2 |
Also applies statewide
Washington rules that also apply in Kent:
- Security deposit limit
- No maximum amount. A deposit requires a written lease and a move-in condition checklist; on written request, tenants may pay deposits, nonrefundable fees and last month's rent in installments (3 monthly payments for terms of 3+ months). Verified Source: RCW 59.18.260; RCW 59.18.610 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full Washington security deposit limit page
- Deposit return deadline
- Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant moves out: a full, specific statement of reasons for any retention (with estimates or invoices) plus any refund owed. Verified Source: RCW 59.18.280 · last checked 2026-10-31 · Full Washington deposit return deadline page
- Notice to enter
- At least two days' written notice stating the date(s) and time window, and entry only at reasonable times. One day's notice is enough to show the unit to prospective buyers or tenants. No notice is needed in an emergency or if the unit is abandoned. Verified Source: RCW 59.18.150(5)-(6) · last checked 2026-10-31 · Full Washington notice to enter page
- Late fees
- No late fee for rent paid within 5 days of its due date. After that, late fees may run from the first day after the due date. Verified Source: RCW 59.18.170(2) · last checked 2026-10-31 · Full Washington late fees page
Other Washington cities
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