Rental Registration Program

Under the proposed program, who would be required to register their rental property? 

All owners of residential rental properties within Vancouver city limits would be required to register their properties annually. This includes single-family homes, apartments, duplexes, and other residential rental units. Owner-occupied single-family housing is exempt. 

How would I register my property? 

All owners would be encouraged to register their property online through the City’s website. Mail-in or in-person registration will be considered and potentially included depending on demand. The registration process would require the submission of basic property and owner information as well as payment of an annual fee. 

Would there be a fee to register my property? 

Yes, a $30 annual per-unit fee is proposed to cover administrative costs and support program initiatives. This fee would be waived for units that have legal restrictions requiring the unit to remain affordable to tenants earning less than 60% of area median income. 

What happens if I don’t register my property?

Registering would ensure you are in good standing and avoid enforcement actions. The City would provide a grace period to give landlords ample time to familiarize themselves with the new program requirements. However, continued non-compliance would result in penalties or fines. 

Will my property be inspected as part of the registration process? 

No. The City is only implementing a registration program at this time. Once the registration program is live, the City will begin to design an inspection program for rental units. 

What information would be required to register my property?

A property owner would need to provide property information (address, year built, type, and number of units, affordability restrictions if applicable), owner contact information, and emergency/local contact information. 

How will this program benefit me as a landlord?

Registration helps streamline communication with the City, provides access to landlord information and resources, and ensures you are recognized as a responsible property owner in the community. 

Will mobile home parks fall under this program whether the mobile home is owned by the individual or park?

If the mobile home is owned by its occupant, the unit would not be subject to rental registration. If the mobile home is owned by the park and is rented to a tenant, it should be registered as a rental unit.

How was the $30 per unit fee reached?

The fee was determined based on an analysis of projected program expenses. Various fee structures were considered, including a graduated fee or fee per property rather than by unit, and a simple per unit fee was chosen to ensure that small landlords with just one or two units are not disproportionately impacted compared to large landlords or property management companies. The City will report on revenues and expenses for the program annually and adjust the rate if necessary.  

If a local contact person (e.g., property manager, maintenance contact) is available, would the owner information still be required for the license?

Yes, both the owner’s contact information and local/emergency contact information (if applicable) would be required for the registration and rental housing license. 

Will personal information from housing providers be kept by the City or a third-party?

The required registration information will be maintained as part of the rental housing database. The City has not yet identified the information system to be utilized and whether that system will be maintained in-house or with a third party. 

Would property owners who live onsite with only one rental unit (for example a duplex or single ADU unit) be exempt from the proposal? 

 ADUs and duplex units that are rentals are not exempt. The unit that the owner lives in would be exempt from registration. 

How many FTE positions will be created by this program?

The City anticipates adding at least one full time staff to manage the registration database and assist with special licensing and accounting. The registration may require additional staff resources depending on demand for customer service assistance.

I rent a furnished unit for travelling nurses and medium-term renters like students. My unit rents for a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 6 months. Is this subject to rental registration?

Yes, the newly enacted code defines a “rental unit” as a housing unit that is, or may be, available for rent, or is occupied or rented by a tenant or subtenant in exchange for any form of payment.

Are the fees for registering in 2027 due by December 31, 2026?

Fees for 2027 rental registrations are due by February 15, 2027.

Will the $30 registration fee help pay for the cost of future inspections?

No, this fee helps fund the administration of the rental registration program, maintaining a database of rental properties, processing registrations, and supporting public outreach and education.

Will the new program require property owners to hold a Vancouver business license?

City business licenses have been required for rentals since 2019. The new rental registration system will remind people that they should have one, but it won’t require owners to upload licensing information in order to register a rental unit, this will need to be done separately through the Department of Revenue.

My address is in Vancouver, but I am outside City limits. Do I need to register my rental?

Registration is only for properties within City limits. This interactive website will help you determine if your property is inside City limits. Please enter your rental property address here: Do I Live in Vancouver? -The City of Vancouver, WA. If your rental property is within City limits and not exempt, then registration will be required.