What Is an RRIO Inspection?
Seattle’s Rental Registration & Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) was created to ensure that all rental housing in the city meets basic safety and maintenance standards. Landlords must periodically have their rental properties inspected by a qualified professional to verify compliance with the city’s requirements.
An RRIO inspection is not about making your property perfect — it’s about confirming it meets the minimum housing standards for safety, sanitation, and maintenance. These inspections help protect tenants, maintain the quality of Seattle’s rental housing, and ensure that landlords are keeping their properties in livable condition.
Why Work With a Private Inspector?
While the City of Seattle has its own inspectors, you also have the option to hire a City‑approved private inspector. This choice offers several benefits:
1. Greater Scheduling Flexibility
City inspectors work only during standard city business hours. If your schedule makes it difficult to arrange an inspection at those times, a private inspector can work around your availability. This is especially helpful for property owners who:
- Work full‑time jobs
- Live outside the Seattle area
- Manage multiple rental properties with tight timelines
With a private inspector, you can schedule your inspection at a time that works best for you — even outside the typical city inspector hours.
2. Same Pricing as the City (Plus Filing Fee)
Our pricing is the same as the City of Seattle’s inspectors, but we include:
- A $50.00 filing fee (required to submit your inspection results to the city)
- A $50.00 re‑inspection fee (only if a return visit is required)
This ensures you know exactly what to expect, with no hidden costs.
3. Officially Approved by the City of Seattle
Not all inspectors can perform RRIO inspections. Cross County Home Inspection LLC is fully credentialed and approved by the City of Seattle to carry out these inspections. This means:
- We meet all training and qualification standards
- We follow the city’s official RRIO inspection checklist
- Our reports are accepted without issue
4. Independent — Not a City Employee
We are not employed by the City of Seattle. This independence means:
- We only report inspection results to the city — nothing else is shared
- We work directly for you, the client
- We maintain your privacy and the privacy of all tenants and occupants while performing RRIO inspections and completing reports
What an RRIO Inspection Covers
The RRIO inspection checklist is based on the Seattle Housing and Building Maintenance Code. During the inspection, we look for conditions that could affect health, safety, or structural soundness, such as:
- Structural integrity – Sound walls, floors, and roofs
- Weatherproofing – Windows and doors that keep out rain and drafts
- Plumbing – Proper function with no leaks or sanitation hazards
- Electrical safety – Safe wiring, outlets, and lighting
- Heating – A functional heating system that maintains safe indoor temperatures
- Sanitation – No infestations, mold, or unsanitary conditions
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms – Installed and working in required locations
We will use the City of Seattle’s RRIO inspection form to document compliance in each category.
When to Schedule Your RRIO Inspection
If you have been notified by the City of Seattle that your property has been selected for an RRIO inspection, you’ll need to schedule it within the time frame given in your notice. Choosing a private inspector means you have more control over when your inspection happens.
We recommend scheduling:
- As soon as you receive your RRIO notice to ensure you get your preferred time
- Well before the due date in case corrections or a re‑inspection are required
- At a convenient time for your tenants to minimize disruption
What Happens After the Inspection
- Inspection Completed – We perform the inspection using the City’s official RRIO checklist.
- Results Filed – We submit the inspection results to the City of Seattle on your behalf.
- Correction Period (If Needed) – If issues are found, you’ll have an opportunity to make repairs.
- Re‑Inspection (If Required) – We return to verify that corrections have been made. A $50.00 re‑inspection fee applies.
Why Choose Cross County Home Inspection LLC
- City‑Approved RRIO Inspector – Fully credentialed and trained in the RRIO standards
- Flexible Scheduling – We work around your schedule, not just city hours
- Transparent Pricing – Same as the City plus clearly stated filing and re‑inspection fees
- Independent & Client‑Focused – We work for you, not the City of Seattle
- Experience & Professionalism – We bring the same thoroughness and attention to detail to RRIO inspections as we do to all our home inspections
Important Note
We do not handle RRIO registration for property owners. Landlords are responsible for ensuring their properties are registered with the City of Seattle’s RRIO program before scheduling the inspection. We provide the inspection only.
Book Your RRIO Inspection Today
Whether you manage one rental property or several, we make the RRIO inspection process smooth, professional, and convenient. As a private, City‑approved inspector, we offer flexibility, clear communication, and accurate reporting — helping you meet your compliance requirements without unnecessary stress.
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