Kennewick, WA Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 1997 Uniform Housing Code
- Notice before penalty
- 5 days written notice
- Inspections
- Owner/tenant must accompany
- Enforcer
- Kennewick Building Official
Summary
Kennewick adopted the 1997 Uniform Housing Code to set minimum condition standards for residential buildings, and the city's Building Official enforces it through on-site inspections and a mandatory 5-day notice before any penalty.
The 1997 Uniform Housing Code is hereby adopted.
(Ord. 3808 Sec. 1, 1998; Ord. 3664 Sec. 17, 1995; Ord. 3408 Sec. 5, 1992; Ord. 3210 Sec. 6, 1989; Ord. 3002, Sec. 3, 1986; Ord. 2764 Sec. 14, 1983; Ord. 2490 Sec. 4(part), 1980)
15.16.030: - Section 205 Added—Written Notice of Violation. Penalties as described herein shall not be invoked until the person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be given at least five days' written notice of such violation and reasonable time to correct said violation.
(Ord. 2490 Sec. 4(part), 1980; Ord. 2083 Sec. 3(part), 1977)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 19 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
KMC 15.16.010 adopts the 1997 Uniform Housing Code as Kennewick's baseline for habitable residential property, covering light, ventilation, sanitation, and structural maintenance in existing buildings. To inspect a rental, the Building Official inspects with the owner, tenant, or their agent present under KMC 15.16.040 (Section 304); if that person refuses to accompany the inspection, the Building Official may proceed with a second party present, as provided by law. Before any penalty is imposed for a code violation, KMC 15.16.030 (Section 205) requires the city give the violator at least five days' written notice and a reasonable time to correct the problem.
Violations & Fines
A violation triggers a written notice giving at least 5 days to correct it (KMC 15.16.030) before penalties apply; refusing to accompany a Building Official's inspection is addressed under KMC 15.16.040.
Frequently Asked Questions
What housing code applies to rental properties in Kennewick?
Can the city inspect my rental without the owner present?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kennewick
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