Vancouver rental license inspection

Who conducts inspections

Based on the habitability proposal and public materials, the city's model is:

• Private, qualified inspectors, hired and paid by the landlord or property manager
• Inspectors must follow city-approved standards, likely aligned with Federal Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and Washington law (RCW 59.18.125)
• If an owner doesn't get inspections done or fails repeatedly, city code enforcement can step in and conduct inspections directly, with extra charges and potential penalties

What inspectors are expected to look for

The proposal says inspections will focus on basic health and safety, not bringing older buildings up to current full code. Think core habitability, not cosmetic upgrades.

Typical items include:

The habitability proposal describes a sampling model for larger buildings: Properties ≤ 20 units – 4 units inspected at random; Properties > 20 units – at least 20% of units inspected at random. If sampled units fail, the city may require more units to be inspected. Owners can choose to inspect all units instead of sampling.

Inspection timeline

The registration program starts in 2026. The inspection component is scheduled to start later:

• Jan 1, 2026 – Registration opens (no inspections yet)
• Mid–late 2027 – Health and safety inspections begin, after the registration system is up and the city finalizes the inspection program with community input

City FAQ and partner articles are clear that registration comes first, inspections second. The city has also circulated a Rental Habitability Program proposal, which likely informs how inspections will actually work.

Frequency (Proposed)

The proposal suggests inspections on a 3–5 year cycle, depending on age and condition:

• Newly built units – first inspection 5 years after certificate of occupancy
• Units less than 50 years old that previously passed – every 4 years
• Units more than 50 years old or previously failed – every 3 years

What happens if a unit fails

The draft framework lays out a repair-first, punishment-second approach:

• Minor issues – corrected quickly; inspector may verify with photos or virtual re-check
• Multiple or serious issues – formal repair plan, required re-inspection

If an owner fails to correct problems or provide a passing inspection certificate, the case can be:

• Referred to Code Enforcement
• Subject to daily fines (up to around $250/day in the proposal)
• In extreme cases, the city may issue an Order to Vacate (condemnation) and trigger tenant relocation assistance funded by a combination of landlord payments and a city relocation fund

How we help with inspections

As part of our Vancouver rental registration service, we can:

• Help you understand habitability requirements and prepare your property for future inspections
• Provide guidance on self-inspection checklists based on HQS and Washington state standards
• Coordinate with qualified inspectors when the inspection program launches in mid-2027
• Assist with documentation and compliance if inspections reveal issues
• Ensure your registration reflects property condition accurately