What Property Owners Need to Know About Seattle Rental Laws in 2025

Seattle’s rental regulations are constantly evolving—and staying compliant isn’t optional. Whether you own one unit or a growing portfolio, understanding the latest legal updates is key to protecting your investment and avoiding costly penalties.

At Flatmint, we keep track of these updates so you don’t have to. Here’s what property owners should know in 2025:

1. 🧾 First-in-Time (FIT) Rules Still Apply

Seattle’s First-in-Time ordinance requires landlords (and their managers) to offer a rental to the first qualified applicant who meets all screening criteria. That means:

• Posting your rental criteria before accepting applications

• Applying those criteria consistently

• Providing a physical copy of the Seattle renters handbook to tenants.

• Offering the unit to the first qualified applicant—in writing

We follow this to the letter for every unit we manage.

2. 🧑‍⚖️ Security Deposit & Fee Limits

Seattle continues to restrict how and when you can collect fees:

• Total move-in fees (including the deposit) cannot exceed one month’s rent

• Pet damage deposits are capped

• Non-refundable fees are strictly limited

Flatmint structures lease terms to align with these limits—no surprises for you or your tenants.

3. 🏠 Notice Requirements Are Expanding

In 2025, updates include longer notice periods for:

• Rent increases of 10%+ (now requires 180 days’ notice)

• Lease terminations

• Entry to the unit

We handle all tenant communications and ensure all notices are legally compliant.

4. 📋 Mandatory Rent Receipts & Itemizations

Seattle requires property managers to provide detailed receipts for rent payments and itemized deductions from deposits. This includes:

• Dates of payment

• Rent vs. fees breakdown

• Post-move-out itemizations within 21 days

Flatmint’s automated system handles all documentation and receipts for you.

5. ✅ Why Compliance = Protection

Following the law isn’t just about avoiding fines. It:

• Protects you in court

• Ensures a smooth relationship with your tenants

• Builds trust and credibility for your rental business

  
  

It’s a lot to keep up with—we get it.

That’s why Flatmint stays on top of every regulation, ordinance, and update, so you don’t have to stress about what’s changed or what’s coming next.

Contact us to learn how we keep your property protected, compliant, and profitable.