The City of Seattle has capped the amount landlords may charge residential tenants at move-in. The total move-in charges, including the security deposit and all non-refundable move-in fees, may not exceed the first month’s rent.
The total of non-refundable fees (not including the security deposit) cannot exceed ten percent of the first month’s rent.
Tenants may pay in installments. Landlords may not charge additional fees or any interest if the tenant pays in installments. For rental terms of six months or more, the tenant may pay in six equal monthly installments. For rental terms of one to six months, the tenant may pay in four equal installments. For month-to-month agreements, tenants may pay in two equal installments.
Tenants may also pay last month’s rent in the same installment schedules.
Pet deposits are treated separately. Pet deposits may not exceed twenty-five percent of the first month’s rent.