SeaTac, 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 |
|---|---|
| Just-cause eviction | Yes. Evictions must follow the state Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, and the chapter lists the permitted eviction causes. If the eviction is for past-due rent, the landlord must end the proceedings once the tenant pays what is owed. |
| Crime-free housing & nuisance rental rules | Owners notified that their property is a chronic nuisance property must promptly take reasonable steps the police chief requests in writing to abate it. |
| Security deposit limit | Security deposits, nonrefundable move-in fees and last month's rent together may not exceed one month's rent (the subsidized-housing exception excludes Section 8 vouchers). On written request, tenants may pay them in installments without extra fees or interest, unless the deposit and fees total no more than 25% of the first month's rent and last month's rent isn't required up front. The code states: "The sum of any security deposits, nonrefundable move-in fees, and/or last month’s rent may not exceed one (1) month’s rent, except in subsidized housing where the amount of rent is set based on the tenants’ income" (§ 4.05.050). |
| Rental licensing / registration | SeaTac licenses rental housing units under chapter 5.05 SMC, and a landlord may not evict from an unlicensed unit; licensing before the court order or writ of restitution cures this, and a court may grant a continuance so the landlord can license the unit. The code states: "A landlord may not evict residential tenants from rental housing units if the units are not licensed with the City of SeaTac, regardless of whether just cause for eviction may exist" (§ 4.05.090). |
Details & sources
Just-cause eviction
Yes. Evictions must follow the state Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, and the chapter lists the permitted eviction causes. If the eviction is for past-due rent, the landlord must end the proceedings once the tenant pays what is owed.
Verified Source: SeaTac Mun. Code § 4.05.090 · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Crime-free housing & nuisance rental rules
Owners notified that their property is a chronic nuisance property must promptly take reasonable steps the police chief requests in writing to abate it. The code states: "An owner who receives a copy of a notice pursuant to SMC 7.50.040 shall promptly take reasonable steps requested in writing by the Chief of Police to assist in abatement of the nuisance property" (§ 7.50.050).
Verified Source: SeaTac Municipal Code § 7.50.050 · last checked 2026-10-16
Back to quick facts ↑Security deposit limit
Security deposits, nonrefundable move-in fees and last month's rent together may not exceed one month's rent (the subsidized-housing exception excludes Section 8 vouchers). On written request, tenants may pay them in installments without extra fees or interest, unless the deposit and fees total no more than 25% of the first month's rent and last month's rent isn't required up front. The code states: "The sum of any security deposits, nonrefundable move-in fees, and/or last month’s rent may not exceed one (1) month’s rent, except in subsidized housing where the amount of rent is set based on the tenants’ income" (§ 4.05.050).
Verified Source: SeaTac Municipal Code § 4.05.050 · last checked 2026-10-16
Back to quick facts ↑Rental licensing / registration
SeaTac licenses rental housing units under chapter 5.05 SMC, and a landlord may not evict from an unlicensed unit; licensing before the court order or writ of restitution cures this, and a court may grant a continuance so the landlord can license the unit. The code states: "A landlord may not evict residential tenants from rental housing units if the units are not licensed with the City of SeaTac, regardless of whether just cause for eviction may exist" (§ 4.05.090).
Verified Source: SeaTac Municipal Code § 4.05.090 · 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 | Partially researched | 1 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 | Partially researched | 1 of 3 |
| Registration and licensing | Partially researched | 1 of 3 |
| Short-term rentals | Not researched | 0 of 2 |
Also applies statewide
Washington rules that also apply in SeaTac:
- 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
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