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Code Violation Complaints offered by Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections

700 5th Avenue, Seattle Municipal Tower, Suite 2000, Seattle, WA 98104

Located on block between Columbia St and Cherry St. Call King County Metro at (206) 553-3000 or visit http://tripplanner.kingcounty.gov/ for public transit information.
Eligibility
Residents of the city of Seattle.
Hours
M, W, F, 9am-3pm T, Th, 10:30am-3pm.
Languages
Interpreter services
Application process
File a report about a potential code violation via telephone or Internet.   Provide the exact address of the property where you believe a violation exists or the address of an adjacent property.   Call the SDCI Violation Complaint Line later to ask the name and telephone number of the inspector assigned to investigate your report or check the complaint status online.  Inspectors are usually assigned to a complaint within 7-10 days of the initial call. SDCI prioritizes health and safety issues. Non-priority issues may take longer. For information on violations, visit website.
Fees
None.
Service area
Seattle, WA

Other Information

Languages

  • Interpreter services
Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) housing and zoning inspectors respond to complaints about:  
  • Minimum housing standards
  • Land use violations
  • Shorelines
  • "Just cause" eviction
  • Vacant and unfit buildings
  • Lock-outs
  • Rent increases without proper notice
  • Landlord or property manager retaliation
  • Landlord or property manager entering a unit without both notice and consent
  • Prohibiting tenant organizing
  • Landlord or property manager harassment Health and safety are the department's first priorities for investigation and resolution of reported violations.
Health concerns include tenant complaints about conditions that may cause mold in rental units, such as excessive moisture. Seattle’s Housing and Building Maintenance Code (HBMC) contains requirements designed to keep building occupants dry and warm. In a building maintained in compliance with code requirements, all components of the building including foundation, roof, walls and windows are reasonably weather tight, watertight and damp-free.   SDCI conducts inspections of the property named in the complaint and contacts the landlord. SDCI sets a time frame for voluntary resolution.   Code compliance specialists will take cases that violate housing codes, and will require rescission of bad eviction notices and correction of unsafe or unpermitted housing conditions. The law department will eventually sue violators if necessary. Also performs investigations of illegal evictions.   New enforcement for leases entered into after 1/15/17. Refer if:
  • The landlord requires security deposit/nonrefundable move-in fees that are more than first month's rent
  • The landlord requires nonrefundable move-in fees other than for tenant screening report, cleaning at termination of tenancy, criminal background check, or credit report
  • The landlord requires a pet deposit that is more than 25% of first month's rent or any other pet fee/rent
  • The landlord refuses to enter payment plan for security deposit/nonrefundable move-in fees, pet deposit, or last month's rent
  • The deposit not returned and no move-in checklist was signed by landlord and tenant at move-in
  • No statement of deposit or deposit returned 21 days after tenant moved out
Advance notice may be needed for an interpreter.
Providing organization
Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections
Administers housing building maintenance codes, including electrical, fire safety, structural and mechanical codes for existing buildings. Enforces the Condominium Conversion Ordinance, Just-Cause Eviction Ordinance, Weeds Ordinance, Zoning Code, Tenant Relocation Assistance Ordinance, Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance, and Noise Ordinance.