Local Law Education ON-DEMAND for RHAWA Members

Washington rental housing regulations have changed dramatically over the last decade. What was once a relatively uniform legal landscape governed primarily by the state Residential Landlord-Tenant Act has evolved into a complex patchwork of state laws, municipal ordinances, registration programs, inspection requirements, and local enforcement mechanisms.

For rental property owners, managers, and housing providers, keeping up with these changes can feel like a full-time job. A regulation adopted in one city today may become the model for legislation elsewhere tomorrow. Local governments increasingly have the authority to investigate complaints, issue fines, and enforce housing regulations directly, creating new compliance obligations that simply did not exist in years past.

To help rental housing providers navigate this rapidly changing environment, we have assembled a comprehensive series of on-demand courses covering municipal rental regulations across Washington State. Led by experienced attorneys, city administrators, inspectors, and regulatory officials, these recordings provide practical guidance that owners can access whenever their schedule allows.

Whether you own property in Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Vancouver, Burien, Tukwila, or other Washington communities, these courses offer valuable insight into the rules affecting your rental business.

UNDERSTANDING THE EXPANSION OF LOCAL RENTAL LAWS

Expansion of Local Rental Laws
Recorded December 5, 2025 – 90 Minutes

This foundational course provides the big-picture perspective every Washington housing provider should understand. Attorney Chris Benis explores how landlord-tenant regulation has evolved from a largely state-governed system into a framework increasingly influenced by local governments.

The course examines emerging regulatory trends and reviews recently adopted laws from communities including Bellingham, Spokane, Woodinville, and others. Participants gain insight into how local ordinances develop, why cities are pursuing new rental regulations, and what owners should expect in the years ahead.

For anyone seeking to understand where rental housing regulation is headed in Washington, this course serves as an excellent starting point.

SEATTLE: WASHINGTON'S MOST COMPLEX RENTAL MARKET

Seattle continues to have some of the most extensive rental housing regulations in the state. Several on-demand courses provide in-depth guidance for owners and managers operating within city limits.

Seattle Fair & Stable Housing Laws
Live online, July 8, 2026 – 90 Minutes (Available ON-DEMAND August 8)

Seattle's housing regulations extend far beyond traditional landlord-tenant law. This course examines landmark ordinances such as First In Time and Fair Chance Housing, along with additional city requirements intended to preserve affordable housing and tenant stability.

Attorney Chris Benis explains the purpose behind these laws, outlines compliance requirements, and discusses how city enforcement works. Property owners will gain a clearer understanding of tenant screening regulations, tenancy termination restrictions, and other rules that make Seattle unique among Washington municipalities.

Seattle Rental Agreement Regulations
Live online, July 16, 2026 – 90 Minutes (Available ON-DEMAND August 16)

A rental agreement in Seattle must comply with numerous city-specific requirements that affect nearly every aspect of the leasing process.

Attorney Christopher Cutting reviews the regulations contained within Seattle Municipal Code Chapters 7.24 and 7.25, covering topics such as move-in charges, lease renewals, rent increase procedures, and mandatory lease provisions. This course is essential for owners and managers who want confidence that their rental agreements and leasing practices meet Seattle's legal standards.

TACOMA’S REGULATIONS NOW A CLOSE SECOND TO SEATTLE’S COMPLEXITY

Tacoma Rental Laws Update
Recorded January 14, 2026 – 90 Minutes

After years of navigating overlapping regulatory systems, Tacoma adopted a harmonized rental housing ordinance effective January 1, 2026.

Attorney Christopher Cutting reviews the updated code and explains how Tacoma's requirements interact with state landlord-tenant law. The course highlights significant changes, compliance considerations, and practical strategies for managing rental housing under the revised framework.

For Tacoma property owners, this recording offers a timely overview of the city's current regulatory environment.

SPOKANE RENTAL HOUSING COMPLIANCE

Spokane has experienced significant regulatory changes in recent years, creating new requirements for local housing providers.

Spokane Rental Laws Update
Recorded May 21, 2026 – 60 Minutes

Attorney Eric Steven reviews Spokane's newer rental regulations alongside recent state law changes affecting rental housing operations. Participants learn about compliance obligations, enforcement considerations, and resources available to help landlords successfully navigate the city's requirements.

The course is designed to help owners operate with greater confidence while reducing the risk of costly mistakes.

REGISTRATION & INSPECTION PROGRAMS ACROSS THE STATE

Many Washington cities are adopting registration and inspection programs designed to monitor housing quality and code compliance. Understanding how these programs operate can help owners avoid surprises and prepare effectively.

Registration & Inspection: SEATTLE
Recorded March 5, 2025 – 60 Minutes

Seattle's Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) has become a familiar reality for property owners throughout the city. In this practical session, city administrator Aurora Blackmore and inspector Lisa Schwartzenberger guide participants through the registration process, explain what to expect during inspections, and discuss corrective actions when deficiencies are identified.

Registration & Inspection: SPOKANE
Recorded December 11, 2024 – 60 Minutes

Spokane's registration and inspection requirements are explained by city Code Enforcement Supervisor Jason Ruffing. Participants receive step-by-step guidance on property registration, inspection procedures, and program administration.

The session also includes business licensing instruction from Department of Revenue Compliance Agent Andrew Madison, providing owners with a comprehensive overview of both registration and licensing requirements.

Registration & (Future) Inspection: VANCOUVER
Recorded December 17, 2025 – 60 Minutes

As Vancouver launches its rental registration program, property owners have an opportunity to learn directly from city officials before implementation.

Housing Programs Manager Samantha Whitley explains registration requirements, business licensing obligations, and important deadlines, including the introductory licensing period available during the first quarter of 2026. The course also discusses the city's plans to add rental housing inspections beginning in 2027, helping owners prepare for future compliance obligations.

Registration & Inspection: BURIEN
Recorded May 29, 2025 – 60 Minutes

This course focuses on Burien's multifamily rental licensing and inspection requirements. Licensed rental inspector Lisa Lotus explains inspection procedures, common findings, and the correction process. City representative Manuela Ginnett answers questions regarding licensing requirements and program administration. The course is especially valuable for owners of multifamily properties subject to Burien's inspection requirements.

Registration & Inspection: TUKWILA
Recorded November 20, 2025 – 60 Minutes

For owners operating in Tukwila, this session provides a practical overview of rental registration and inspection requirements. Licensed inspector Lisa Lotus reviews the registration process, inspection expectations, and corrective action procedures, while city representatives answer questions regarding program implementation and compliance.

A Valuable Resource Library for Housing Providers

Regulatory compliance is no longer something rental housing providers can afford to address only when problems arise. The increasing complexity of state and local regulations makes continuing education one of the most valuable investments an owner can make.

This ON-DEMAND training library allows you to learn directly from the attorneys who interpret these laws, the inspectors who enforce housing standards, and the city officials who administer the programs. Whether you own a single rental home or manage a large portfolio, these courses provide practical knowledge you can apply immediately.

Most importantly, they help transform regulatory uncertainty into confidence—allowing you to focus less on navigating complex rules and more on successfully operating your rental properties throughout Washington State.

These ON-DEMAND classes are now conveniently included in a Local Laws collection. To access them, log in to rhawa.org, select Free Member Education from Member Access, then click My Learning and choose Learning Library to view the local law course options described above.

For the most up-to-date information on Seattle laws, register to attend the two classes on our monthly calendar at RHAWA.org/events.