Relocation Assistance: Kirkland vs Seattle
How do relocation assistance rules compare between Kirkland, WA and Seattle, WA?
Kirkland and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
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 →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle's Tenant Relocation Assistance Ordinance (TRAO) requires landlords who demolish, substantially rehabilitate, change use, or remove housing from the rental market to pay qualifying low-income tenants relocation assistance through the city's program under SMC 22.210.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kirkland | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle payment 2026 | $4,553 per household | - |
| Seattle notice | 120 days minimum | - |
| State notice | 90 days minimum | - |
| Citation | RCW 59.18.440 | - |
| Code section | - | SMC 22.210 |
| Notice period | - | 90 days minimum |
| Landlord share | - | 50 percent of payment |
| Income limit | - | 50% area median income |
| Administered by | - | SDCI |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Seattle FAQ
Who pays the relocation amount?
The landlord pays half and the City of Seattle pays half. The full payment goes directly to each income-qualified household displaced by the permitted activity.
Do all tenants qualify?
Only households at or below 50% of area median income qualify. Tenants must complete an income certification through SDCI to receive payment under the program.
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