Rental Property Rules in Auburn, WA (2026)
4 verified rental property rules for Auburn, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rent Control
Rent control is preempted statewide by RCW 35.21.830, so Auburn landlords set market rents; tenant protections come from RCW 59.18 (Residential Landlord-Tenant Act) and HB 1351 notice reforms.
Rent Control Rules in Auburn
Few RestrictionsRCW 35.21.830
RCW 35.21.830 Controls on rent for residential structures — Prohibited — Exceptions. The imposition of controls on rent is of statewide significance and is preempted by the state. No city or town of any class may enact, maintain, or enforce ordinances or other provisions which regulate the amount of rent to be charged for single-family or multiple-unit residential rental structures or sites oth...
Just Cause Eviction
Washington RCW 59.18.650 requires just cause to terminate most residential tenancies. Auburn landlords must identify one of the 16 statutory grounds and use the state-prescribed notice form before filing eviction.
Auburn Just-Cause Eviction Rules
Heavy RestrictionsRCW 59.18.650
RCW 59.18.650 Eviction of tenant, refusal to continue tenancy, end of periodic tenancy — Cause — Notice — Penalties. (Effective until January 1, 2028.) (1)(a) A landlord may not evict a tenant, refuse to continue a tenancy, or end a periodic tenancy except for the causes enumerated in subsection (2) of this section and as otherwise provided in this subsection. (b) If a landlord and tenant enter...
Rental Registration
Every rental housing business operating in Auburn, from single rentals to multifamily complexes, must hold a city business license in good standing under ACC 5.22.030, renewed and paid annually on the calendar year. Chapter 5.22 exists to protect tenants and neighbors and to enforce standards through the community development department.
Auburn Rental Property License Requirement
Significant RestrictionsACC 5.22.030
Each rental housing business operating in the city, as defined herein, shall obtain and maintain in good standing a city of Auburn business license issued by the city in accordance with the procedures of this chapter and this title. A. The fee for a business license required under this chapter shall be as set forth in the city of Auburn fee schedule. B. The business license fee shall be for the...
Repairs & Habitability
Auburn's amended International Property Maintenance Code requires landlords who rent, lease or let dwelling units to supply heat year-round, keeping habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms at a minimum 68°F under ACC 15.20.090, and lets the code official order unfit structures repaired, boarded or demolished under ACC 15.20.050.
Auburn Rental Property Habitability Standards
Some RestrictionsACC 15.20.090 (IPMC § 602.3)
602.3 Heat Supply. Every owner and operator of any building who rents, leases or lets one or more dwelling units or sleeping units on terms, either expressed or implied, to furnish heat to the occupants thereof shall supply heat during year-round to maintain a minimum temperature of 68°F (20°C) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms. Exceptions: a. When the outdoor temperature is be...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Auburn city rules.
Rental Property Rules in King County →