Auburn, WA Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- ACC 5.22.057
- Inspection window
- No more than 90 days before certificate date
- Building standard checked
- ACC Title 15 compliance
- Triggers
- Communal residence license; crime/nuisance strategy
- Enforcement
- License denial/revocation, Chapter 1.25 ACC
Summary
Auburn rental housing owners and managers must sometimes provide a certificate of inspection under ACC 5.22.057 to keep their city business license in good standing. The inspection, done by a qualified inspector no more than 90 days before certification, checks structure, weather exposure, plumbing, heat, wiring, exits and fire risk.
A. When required under this chapter, the rental housing owner or manager shall provide a certificate of inspection that documents compliance with the standards of ACC Title 15. B. Inspections will be conducted in accordance with RCW 59.18.125. C. The certificate of inspection should include, but is not limited to, the following items: 1. Structural members that are insufficient in size or strength to carry imposed loads with safety; 2. Exposure of the occupants to the weather; 3. Plumbing and sanitation defects that directly expose the occupants to the risk of illness or injury; 4. Lack of water, including hot water; 5. Heating or ventilation systems that are not functional or are hazardous; 6. Defective, hazardous, or missing electrical wiring or electrical service; 7. Defective or inadequate exits that increase the risk of injury to occupants; D. Inspectors. The owner or manager shall submit a certificate of inspection based upon the physical inspection of the dwelling units conducted not more than 90 days prior to the date of the certificate of inspection by a qualified inspector as defined in RCW 59.18.030(25).
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 7023, passed July 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
057 sets the inspection standard that backs that license. 125. The certificate must cover nine specific hazard categories: undersized or weak structural members, exposure of occupants to weather, plumbing and sanitation defects that risk illness or injury, lack of water including hot water, nonfunctional or hazardous heating and ventilation, defective or missing electrical wiring or service, defective or inadequate exits, fire-risk violations, and violations of any other applicable code. 030(25). 050(C) may be directed to inspect as part of a crime-prevention strategy. 25 ACC code enforcement.
Violations & Fines
Failing to submit the required certificate of inspection is grounds for the city to deny or revoke a communal rental housing business license under ACC 5.22.050(E)(3)(i). Operating a rental housing business without a license in good standing is punishable under ACC 5.15.110 (ACC 5.22.120), and license revocation follows the notice and appeal procedure in ACC 5.22.090, including a 15-day window to appeal to the hearing examiner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to get a rental inspection in Auburn?
How old can the inspection be when submitted?
What does the Auburn inspection actually check?
What happens if a landlord skips the inspection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Auburn
Compare Auburn to another location·View the Washington rental inspections overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Inspection Programs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle inspection programs.