The City of Vancouver, Washington, has approved a new Rental Registration Program that will require most residential landlords to register each rental unit and pay an annual fee of $30 per unit, starting in 2026. This program is part of a broader effort to improve the quality, safety, and transparency of rental housing throughout the city.
As trusted advisors to real estate owners and property management companies, we’re highlighting this development so clients can plan ahead and remain in compliance.
Overview: What Landlords Need to Know
Beginning January 2026, all owners of long-term residential rental properties in Vancouver—including apartments, duplexes, single-family homes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs)—must register annually.
Exemptions include:
- Owner-occupied units
- Short-term rentals
- Hotels, shelters, and healthcare facilities
- Income-restricted units for tenants earning ≤ 60% of Area Median Income (must still register but are exempt from the fee)
Registration Details and Timeline
- $30 per unit annual registration fee
- Fee waived for 2026 if you register within the first 90 days (by March 31, 2026)
- Beginning in 2027, the fee is due by February 15 each year
- Registration does not include inspections—those begin in mid-to-late 2027 and will incur additional costs
Required Registration Information
Landlords will need to provide:
- Property details (address, year built, type, number of units)
- Owner and local contact information
- Designated maintenance contact
- Declaration that units are fit for human habitation
Landlords must also provide tenants with a copy of the registration and educational materials provided by the City within 30 days of registration or at move-in.
Why This Matters to You—and to Us
For landlords and property managers, this new requirement introduces an added layer of annual compliance and potential financial impact, particularly for those with large portfolios.
As your accounting partner, we’re here to help you:
- Budget appropriately for the annual registration and future inspection costs
- Track registration fees and related expenses
- Coordinate with legal or property management professionals where needed
Whether you manage one unit or hundreds, this change will impact your operations. We encourage clients to get ahead of the requirements now, especially if you’re planning for 2026 budgets.
Key Dates
- January 2026: Registration opens
- March 31, 2026: Deadline for fee waiver in year one
- February 15, 2027: Registration fee deadline for 2027
- Mid-to-late 2027: Rental inspections begin
Next Steps
For official details and program updates, visit the City of Vancouver’s Rental Registration Program page: Rental Registration Program – City of Vancouver, WA
Have questions about how this may affect your real estate portfolio or tax planning strategy?
Our team is happy to help you prepare. Contact us today to get started.