Relocation Assistance: Federal Way vs Kirkland
How do relocation assistance rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Kirkland, WA?
Federal Way and Kirkland have similar restriction levels.
Federal Way, WA
King County
Washington's Residential Landlord-Tenant Act and King County tenant-protection ordinances require landlords to pay relocation assistance when displacing tenants for substantial rehabilitation, demolition, or change of use, with amounts varying by city and tenant income level.
View full Federal Way rules →Kirkland, WA
King County
Washington's Residential Landlord-Tenant Act and King County tenant-protection ordinances require landlords to pay relocation assistance when displacing tenants for substantial rehabilitation, demolition, or change of use, with amounts varying by city and tenant income level.
View full Kirkland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Federal Way | Kirkland |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle payment 2026 | $4,553 per household | $4,553 per household |
| Seattle notice | 120 days minimum | 120 days minimum |
| State notice | 90 days minimum | 90 days minimum |
| Citation | RCW 59.18.440 | RCW 59.18.440 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Federal Way FAQ
Does unincorporated King County require relocation pay?
Not under county code. State law RCW 59.18.085 covers condemnation displacements, but no county-wide standing relocation payment ordinance exists outside Seattle and a few other cities.
Who qualifies as low-income for Seattle's program?
Households earning at or below 50 percent of King County area median income at the time of the displacement notice qualify under SMC 22.210.
Kirkland FAQ
Does unincorporated King County require relocation pay?
Not under county code. State law RCW 59.18.085 covers condemnation displacements, but no county-wide standing relocation payment ordinance exists outside Seattle and a few other cities.
Who qualifies as low-income for Seattle's program?
Households earning at or below 50 percent of King County area median income at the time of the displacement notice qualify under SMC 22.210.
Compare other topics
See how Federal Way and Kirkland compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool