Seattle Rental Fee Law 2027: New Disclosure, Fee and Recordkeeping Rules

The July 1, 2027 change

Seattle says its rental-fee legislation takes effect July 1, 2027. Rental listings, advertisements and applications must disclose monthly rent, mandatory and optional fees, utilities, discounts or concessions, and average total monthly costs with estimates for variable fees.

The city also limits permitted fees and identifies numerous prohibited charges, including examples such as pet fees, technology fees, month-to-month fees, lease-signing fees and administrative fees.

Optional services require real choice

Seattle says permitted optional services must be disclosed, affirmatively opted into in writing, and capable of being cancelled or opted out without additional cost. Third-party service charges are generally limited to the landlord's cost under the city's framework.

Multifamily teams need a recordkeeping plan

The city says landlords must retain records including ads, applications, leases, disclosure forms, fee statements and third-party receipts for three years. Leasing, accounting and marketing systems therefore need to agree on the charges being represented.

2027 forward-looking notice: This article reflects enacted law and official guidance available on September 22, 2026. Effective dates, agency guidance, annual figures, local rules and implementation details can change before or during 2027. Recheck the linked official sources before acting.