Olympia, WA Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

Section 5.82.090 of the Olympia Municipal Code, part of the Rental Housing Code, creates a periodic inspection program for rental properties in the City of Olympia, Thurston County, Washington. An inspection counts only after a qualified rental housing inspector has performed an in-person inspection, issued a certificate of inspection on the City's form, and the City has received it. A qualified inspector holds an AACE or ICC property maintenance and housing credential, an ICC Residential Building Code Inspector credential, a Washington State home inspector license, or another credential the City accepts, and is approved by the City.

Exemptions under subsection B(1) cover a single rental unit on the same property as an owner-occupied residence, properties holding only units exempt from registration under 5.82.070(B), and a property that received a certificate of occupancy within the previous 10 years with no City report of code violations or conditions endangering tenant health or safety. The City can accept an alternate report from an affordable housing provider, including a privately owned property rented to a voucher recipient that passed inspection by the Housing Authority of Thurston County.

By December 1 of the year before the inspection is due, the City mails the owner a notice naming the units selected. For one to four units, one unit is selected. For five to 20 units, no more than 20 percent, rounded up, up to a maximum of four. For 21 or more, no more than 20 percent, rounded up, up to a maximum of 50. If a selected unit fails, or the City has received reports of violations since the last inspection, the City can require inspection of up to 100 percent of the units.

The owner hires the inspector and pays, except that the City can fund inspections for affordable housing providers. Tenants get notice not more than 60 nor fewer than 30 days before the date, the inspector issues a certificate or a notice of failure within 10 days, and an owner can appeal a failed inspection in writing to the City Manager within 14 days; the decision comes within 30 days. An owner who misses the calendar-year deadline gets a notice of non-compliance and has 30 days to inspect or sign a compliance agreement. After that the City can declare units unlawful to occupy, suspend or revoke the business license, and the owner pays tenant relocation assistance. Under 5.82.110(B) rent cannot be increased on any unit until the required inspection is completed and passed.