Kent, WA Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

KCC 14.02.010 states the city council's finding that Kent dwellings can become unfit for human habitation due to dilapidation, disrepair, structural defects, fire or accident hazards, inadequate ventilation, uncleanliness, inadequate light or sanitary facilities, inadequate drainage, or overcrowding, and adopts Chapter 35.80 RCW's process to address them. KCC 14.02.080 then lists the specific defects that let the city deem a dwelling dangerous or unfit, including: structural walls out of plumb beyond the middle third of their base; 33 percent or more deterioration of supporting members, or 50 percent deterioration of nonsupporting walls; overloaded or understrength floors and roofs; fire, wind, or other damage making the structure dangerous; dilapidation or decay likely to cause sickness or disease; inadequate light, air, or sanitation, including lack of running potable water; noncompliant fire egress or insufficient stairways, elevators, or fire escapes; loose attached parts that could fall and injure someone; earthquake-vulnerable cantilever walls or parapets near a public way; construction, alteration, or occupancy contrary to city ordinances that creates a risk of harm; premises constituting a public nuisance under KCC 8.01.030; premises littered with junk vehicles as defined in KCC 8.08.020; unsecured hazards like sinkholes or exposed utility vaults; and developed premises with over 50 percent noxious vegetation coverage.

Under KCC 14.02.090, the improvement officer or hearing examiner orders repair when reasonably possible, but orders demolition if repair costs would run 50 percent or more of the current assessed value, or if the hazard cannot reasonably be remedied.