Kennewick has not adopted a periodic rental-inspection program under RCW 59.18.125. Rental conditions are inspected only on complaint through Code Enforcement against the city's adopted building, fire, and property-maintenance codes, and through state habitability duties under RCW 59.18.060.
RCW 59.18.125 lets Washington cities adopt periodic rental-inspection programs where landlords must certify habitability on a rotation, but Kennewick has not enacted one. Inspections in Kennewick happen reactively. A tenant or neighbor reports a defect to Kennewick Code Enforcement (210 W 6th Avenue), which inspects under the building, fire, and property-maintenance codes adopted in KMC Title 15 (Buildings and Construction), referencing the International Property Maintenance Code as adopted by the state. State law sets the substantive habitability floor through RCW 59.18.060: weatherproofing, working hot and cold water, heat, electrical, plumbing, smoke alarms (RCW 43.44.110), carbon monoxide alarms (RCW 19.27.530), structural soundness, and pest control. Tenants who give written notice and a chance to repair may use Repair-and-Deduct, rent-into-escrow, or termination remedies under RCW 59.18.070 through .115. Pre-1978 units must comply with federal lead-paint disclosure under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 4852d. Severe defects can trigger condemnation under KMC Title 15 and the International Property Maintenance Code procedures.
Failing to correct a Notice of Violation from Code Enforcement triggers escalating administrative penalties under KMC Title 15 and possible Benton County District Court citation. Severe defects may result in placarding the unit as unfit for occupancy.
Kennewick, WA
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Kennewick, WA
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Kennewick, WA
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Kennewick, WA
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