Spokane's Rental Registry: What Every Landlord Needs to Know

If you're a landlord in Spokane—or thinking about becoming one—understanding Spokane’s rental registry is crucial. Whether you’re managing multiple properties or renting out a single unit, this policy affects you. In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the rental registry, including its benefits, drawbacks, and what happens if you don’t comply. Plus, we’ll share a real-life story of a Spokane homeowner caught off guard by the registry.

What is the Rental Registry?

The rental registry was introduced by the Spokane City Council to ensure rental properties are safe, habitable, and meet basic living standards. Landlords are now required to:

• Register their rental properties with the city.
• Obtain a small business license, costing approximately $130 annually.
• Pay a $15 per unit fee each year.

The registry applies to everyone renting out property, whether it’s a bedroom in your home or an entire apartment complex. The city views landlords as small business owners, making registration a mandatory step in property management.

Why Was the Registry Created?

The registry aims to improve rental conditions and create accountability among landlords. Here’s what it hopes to achieve:

• Tenant Safety: Ensuring properties meet safety standards like functioning heaters, proper wiring, and habitable conditions.
• Emergency Contact Access: Providing the city with landlord information for emergencies such as plumbing disasters or structural issues.
• Improved Oversight: Allowing city officials to track trends in Spokane’s rental market, from landlord turnover to affordable housing availability.

The Benefits of the Registry

While the registry has its critics, it does offer some advantages:

1. Quicker Emergency Response: City officials can directly contact landlords in case of emergencies, minimizing delays.
2. Improved Tenant Protection: Tenants facing unresponsive landlords now have a clear way to address issues through city code enforcement.
3. Safety Standards: Fees collected through the registry fund inspections, ensuring properties remain safe and habitable.
4. Market Insights: The city gains valuable data on the rental market, helping shape future housing policies.

The Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its intentions, the rental registry has faced pushback:

1. Increased Costs for Landlords: Smaller landlords, particularly those renting out one or two units, feel the fees add unnecessary financial strain. Rising costs for insurance, taxes, and maintenance already eat into profits, and the registry feels like one more burden.
2. One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Many small-scale landlords don’t see themselves as business owners. For them, the registry feels more suited to large-scale property managers or corporate landlords.
3. Lack of Awareness: Spokane hasn’t done extensive outreach, leaving many landlords unaware of the requirements. Noncompliance could result in fines, even for those unaware of the policy.

Consequences of Noncompliance

Failing to register your property comes with serious risks:

1. Restrictions on Rent Increases: Landlords cannot raise rent on unregistered properties.
2. Limits on Evictions: Landlords cannot evict tenants if their property isn’t registered.
3. Fines for Noncompliance: Starting in 2025, the city will begin issuing citations to landlords who fail to comply with the registry.

Key Tips for Staying Compliant

1. Mark Your Calendar: Registration renewals occur annually in November and December. Make sure to renew your registration to avoid penalties.
2. Explore Fee Waivers: If you rent below market rate or participate in specific city programs, you may qualify for fee reductions or waivers.
3. Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with the city’s requirements to avoid fines and restrictions on your property rights.

Ready to Learn More or Need Help Navigating Spokane’s Real Estate Market?

Whether you're buying, selling, or renting property, I’m here to help. Schedule a meeting or sign up for my newsletter to stay updated on Spokane’s real estate market and policies like the rental registry. Let’s connect and find solutions that work for you!

Let’s Discuss! What are your thoughts on Spokane’s rental registry? Is it a necessary step for tenant safety, or does it unfairly burden small landlords?