Washington state rent increase notice. 18), sets baseline protections for renters statewide.


Washington state rent increase notice Commerce is required to publish this percentage for all rental units subject to the Residential Landlord Tenant Law (RCW 59. May 30, 2025 · The provisions of HB 1217 require the Department of Commerce to publish the annual rent increase limit in accordance with City of Seattle's CPI (Consumer Price Index). Jun 27, 2025 · The new law caps rent increases in a year at 7%-plus-inflation or 10% total. Reliable info for WA renters. Key Rent Increase Limits The new laws cap annual rent increases May 27, 2025 · Learn about Washington’s laws covering landlords and tenants including: duties and prohibited activities, how to avoid problems, rent increase rules, rent due dates and late fees, when and how a landlord can enter your rental unit, additional and unauthorized occupants, and illegal discrimination and retaliation. This includes the requirement of tenants to begin paying utility fees. 100. New form Rent and Fee Increase Notice for Tenants is now required under state law with at least 90 day notice. 030: Renting in Burien Handbook - Resources. Mar 10, 2025 · A bill to cap yearly rent increases cleared the Washington state House on Monday following a spirited debate on whether such limits will bring greater security for tenants or higher prices and fewer options for those in need of housing House Bill 1217 would prohibit landlords from raising a residential tenant’s rent and fees more than 7% in any 12-month period or by any amount during the May 13, 2025 · Washington Gov. This notice to tenants notifies them of an increase in rent. The bill will take RHAWA's industry-leading forms library includes more than 80 forms, including our Application for Tenancy, Washington State and City-specific leases, and various lease addenda for every situation. This notice must align with the start of a rental period. A video demo is inlcuded on the checklist. But major changes made in the Senate on Thursday have set up a […] Mar 11, 2025 · Washington State's House passed a bill capping rent hikes at 7% with a 90-day notice, moving toward rent control. Rent increases go into effect in the first full month following the notice of the increase. Here’s what you need to know about these critical updates. B. En español: Manual de alquiler en Burien - recursos (Renting in Burien Handbook - Resources Provides a model rent increase form that landlords are required to use expires July 2040). Recent City Rental Regulations Jul 18, 2025 · This rent cap goes into effect on January 1, 2026 OLYMPIA, Wash. Rent Increase Notice to increase rent with 60 days’ notice prior to the end of a rental period. Use the New Rental Checklist as a reference when getting ready to rent out your property. May 7, 2025 · It also introduces stricter notice requirements, including the use of a specific rent increase notice form, mandatory service via certified mail, and a minimum 90-day notice period for rent hikes. S. Generally, a landlord subject to the RLTA is required to provide each affected tenant with written notice of a rent increase at least 60 days before the increase, and any increase in rent may not become effective prior to completion of the term of the rental agreement. Navigate state laws, required notices, and local variations. Just in case you need to refer your landlord to a simple guideline when you're talking to them about the increase. . Surrounded by affordable housing advocates, the governor signed the rent limits into law Wednesday – as well as a suite of other housing bills that the Legislature approved this year. HB 1217 is now Washington’s first statewide rent control law, making it the third state in the U. Jul 22, 2025 · Dear Multifamily NW Members, Detailed in a previous article summarizing HB 1217 from May 16th, the Washington Legislature passed mandatory limits on most rent increases and directed the Washington State Department of Commerce to calculate the annual maximum rent increase as well as create an online resource center to distribute information and resources associated with this law. Your rent or rental amount includes all recurring and periodic charges, sometimes referred to as rent and fees, identified in your rental agreement for the use and occupancy of your rental unit. If no local version is listed, use the WA State version. These regulations aim to balance tenant affordability with Jul 23, 2012 · Any time after receiving the 180-day notice of rent increase of 5% or more, a tenant deciding to relocate rather than paying rent increase may send the landlord a written request for relocation assistance. Key Provisions Rent Increase Cap: Annual rent increases are limited to the lesser of 7% plus inflation or 10% for most residential units. Here’s what you still need to follow in Seattle: If a rent increase is 10% or more, you must give 180 days’ notice. ” HB 1217 also directs Commerce to calculate and publish an annual maximum rent increase beginning June 1, 2025, and annually thereafter. May 27, 2025 · Learn about Washington’s laws covering landlords and tenants including: duties and prohibited activities, how to avoid problems, rent increase rules, rent due dates and late fees, when and how a landlord can enter your rental unit, additional and unauthorized occupants, and illegal discrimination and retaliation. The maximum annual increase allowed through December 31, 2025, is 10%. If a landlord violates the notice periods and demands increased rent prior to the allowed time period, there are remedies under the law. This cap is in effect from Jan. This guide explains exactly what you can and cannot do under the law, how Discover a comprehensive guide to Washington rent control laws, including protecting your rights, understanding legal requirements, and avoiding disputes. Sep 9, 2019 · Use our free, downloadable rent increase letter to notify tenants of an increase in rent. The legislation limits Rent Increases and Notice Requirements. May 7, 2025 · If an extended rent increase notice is required under a local government law, the rent increase notice should be given first, and then the lease renewal with a copy of the rent increase notice form attached. Nov 10, 2025 · Download our free printable Rent Increase Notice template in PDF or Word format. Learn about raising rent, when to send a rent increase notice and the appropriate way to deliver rental increase forms. House Bill 1217, signed into law this month by Gov. If you own your home and rent lot space in a mobile home park, readTenants Sep 3, 2025 · A rent increase notice is a formal letter from a landlord notifying a tenant about an upcoming rise in their rent payment. Learn the essential procedural requirements for landlords and the legal options available to tenants. Learn what landlords need to know to stay compliant and protect their rental investments. The law says: If you own your manufactured or mobile Improving housing stability for tenants subject to the residential landlord-tenant act and the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act by limiting rent and fee increases, requiring notice of rent and fee increases, limiting fees and deposits, establishing a landlord resource center and associated services, authorizing tenant lease termination, creating parity between lease types, and May 8, 2025 · On May 7, 2025, Washington became the third U. 12. 830) landlords can raise the rent as much as they want as long as they comply with the appropriate notice period and have not issued the notice to discriminate or retaliate against the tenant. This requirement ensures tenants have time to adjust or negotiate. Most states have strict regulations about when to notify Ten day notice to comply or vacate A 10-day notice to comply or vacate is appropriate for any breach of the rental agreement. Select the appropriate version of the form based on the jurisdiction of the rental property. Jul 14, 2025 · There are new rental laws beginning in 2025. May 2, 2025 · Washington State Lawmakers Pass Statewide Rent Stabilization Legislation (May 2, 2025) - On April 27, 2025, the Washington state Legislature passed HB 1217, the Housing Stability Act, which caps rent increases for most single-family and multi-family landlords and mandates specific notice requirements for rent increases that landlords must comply with to increase rents. Jun 16, 2025 · 60-Day Rent Increase Notice Rules in Washington State Navigate Washington's rules for rent increases. This timeframe aims to give tenants adequate time to adjust to new rental amounts. With the recent signing of House Bill 1217 into law, rent control is now a statewide policy, and the way landlords handle rent increases will need to change immediately. Advise your tenant of a rise in rent, legally and cordially. Ass'n of Apartment Ass'ns v. 5% to 10% — 2. If the rental agreement governs subsidized housing where the amount of rent is based on the income of the tenant or circumstances specific to the subsidized household, the landlord shall provide a minimum of thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of an increase in the amount of rent to each affected tenant. c 207). Annual rent May 7, 2025 · Your landlord must provide you at least 90 days’ advance notice, in writing, before raising rent. The Attorney General’s Office will enforce the law, and tenants may also take action to protect their rights under the new statute. Rent Increase Notice Timing Under New Law If a lease has a fixed term that ends July 6, 2025, through August 4, 2025, a Housing Provider may provide 60 days' notice of the rent increase. Jul 23, 2025 · Rent Increase Laws When increasing the rent, it’s vital for Landlords to ensure that they’re in compliance with all state and local Lease rent control laws, rent stabilization laws, and rent increase limits. Notice of Resources Download the resource summary for landlords to provide to tenants when serving notice under RCW 59. Your rent amount includes all recurring or periodic charges, sometimes referred to as rent and fees, identified in your rental agreement for the use and occupancy of your manufactured / mobile home lot. RENT AND FEE INCREASE NOTICE TO TENANTS This notice is required by Washington state law to inform you of your rights regarding rent and fee increases. It is commonly used to raise the rent for a month-to-month tenancy or an expiring lease. Apr 11, 2025 · See our state-by-state breakdown of how often and how many days' notice is required before a landlord can increase rent. The governor signed legislation creating new notice Jun 21, 2025 · Understanding Rent Increase Rules in Washington Washington does not have statewide rent control, but cities such as Seattle and Tacoma have their own regulations about rent increases and required notice periods. May 14, 2025 · On May 7, 2025, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1217 (HB 1217) into law, establishing statewide residential rent control measures, effective immediately. Aug 16, 2025 · Learn the definitive rules for raising rent in Washington State. Fourteen day notice to pay or vacate A 14-day notice to pay or vacate is only appropriate for collecting late rent. A landlord may not charge a fee associated with the issuance of a notice to a tenant, even if the notice is required by state law, including but not limited to a fee for preparing and delivering a notice regarding late payment of rent, a notice to pay or vacate, or a notice of noncompliance with a rental agreement. Nov 8, 2021 · In that case, the landlord is required to give you notice of this type of housing cost increase. 21. 2d 788 (1977), which declared invalid the fourteen item and section vetoes to 1973 Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. (2) Except for termination of tenancy and an increase in the amount of rent, after 30 days' written notice to each affected tenant, a new rule of tenancy may become effective upon completion of the term of the rental agreement or sooner upon mutual consent. Rent and Fee Increase Notice This notice is required by Washington state law to inform you of your rights regarding rent and fee increases. Jun 21, 2025 · Does Washington have rent control? Learn the latest 2025 updates, tenant protections, & how to challenge unlawful rent increases. Download free Washington rent control laws from the website today. State law, under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59. This notice is required by Washington state law to inform you of your rights regarding rent and fee increases. Washington state limits how much Rejection of Rent Increase If you choose to reject the rent increase, your lease will terminate, and you must vacate the property no later than the effective date of the new rent. The association is exploring a legal challenge. Broadly speaking, there are two important things to keep in mind: notice requirements and the amount the rent can be increased. You can use the "Notice of Increase to Housing Costs" template OR send your tenant and SHA a notice including the tenant's name, address and unit number, proposed effective date, and proposed rent amount. The law sets a limit on how much a landlord may increase a tenant’s rent over a 12-month period. HB 1217, in its final form, restricts rent increases for existing tenants in Washington state to 7% per year plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower. These regulations are designed to provide tenants with predictability and sufficient time to prepare for new housing costs. Learn legal requirements, timing, and get a free template to confidently adjust rent while maintaining tenant trust. These new laws aim to make renting more affordable and transparent for tenants, while providing clear guidelines for landlords. What are the rent increase notice requirements for tenants in Washington State? Landlords must give tenants a 60-day notice for any rent increase, which can be delivered via text or email. Here's a link for the WA State Tenants Union information page on rent increases. Rent increases must be in a form with mandated language and must give the tenant at least 90 days’ notice. Oct 22, 2021 · Multi-Family Rental Agreement for any property where there are more than one residence (including individual condo, single-family property with ADU, or shared single-family home). Your rent amount includes all recurring or periodic charges, sometimes referred to as rent and fees, identified in your rental agreement. Additionally, in the City of Seattle, if there is an increase of ten percent or May 7, 2025 · The rent increase notice shall be in a form established by the City of Tacoma and must include information on the tenant’s right to relocation assistance for increases over 5%, if the tenant chooses to relocate and not pay the rent increase. DoorLoop has all the documents, templates, forms, and rent increase warning information that you need. Landlords can still adjust rent by higher amounts for new tenants. How do the rent increase laws in King County differ from the state of Washington's laws? In King County, rent increase laws may differ in specifics, but generally align with Washington state laws. Once received, the tenant will have the option to accept or reject and vacate the property. 18), sets baseline protections for renters statewide. 18) as a result of House Bill 1217, which Mar 11, 2025 · A bill to cap yearly rent increases cleared the Washington state House on Monday following a spirited debate on whether such limits will bring greater security for tenants or higher prices and May 8, 2025 · Sean Flynn, the executive director of the Rental Housing Association of Washington, said “today is a tragedy for the industry and for tenants across the state,” adding that the law will lead to higher prices, less supply and worse quality housing. Bob Ferguson, restricts May 30, 2025 · The maximum annual rent increase percentage allowed through Dec. Learn about your rights as a tenant and find tips on negotiating a lower rent with your landlord. This page will serve as the Landlord Resource Center and Aug 11, 2024 · Because actual limits on rent increases are unconstitutional in Washington State, local governments have been passing ordinances that create excessive administrative burden and other deterrents making it more difficult for housing providers to legally increase rent and other monthly housing costs. Give legally binding notice to tenants regarding a rent increase. 18. Failure to issue state-compliant increases can result in a tenant breaking their lease with 20 days' notice, court action by a tenant or the attorney general's office, plus civil penalties up to $7,500 for each violation plus May 31, 2025 · For the rest of this year, Washington landlords are limited to rent hikes of 10% or less under a landmark new state law. This guide provides an overview of these rules. Proponents argue the measure offers needed tenant protections amid… May 3, 2023 · We break down Washington’s new landlord-tenant laws, including changes to the state’s eviction laws, notice requirements, and more. The law caps annual rent increases on most residential properties and includes special provisions for manufactured housing, among other regulations. In California, for example, most tenants are protected by a statewide rent cap of 8. Enforcement and Penalties: The Washington Attorney General is authorized to enforce the provisions of HB 1217 under the Consumer Protection Act. The Washington state Department of Commerce determines the CPI and publishes the maximum annual rent increase percentage for residential tenancies on its website. May 15, 2025 · Washington has a new rent control law that went into effect immediately. To request a rent increase and/or change in utilities you must provide written notice to your tenant and to SHA. 31, 2026. Your rent or rental amount includes all recurring and periodic charges, sometimes referred to as rent and fees, identified in your rental agreement for the use and occupancy of your manufactured/mobile home lot. If you already pay for utilities, but there is going to be a change in the billing, like paying a different company, for example, your landlord is required to provide you with a notice to change your rental terms. Evans, 88 Wn. This document is a notice of rent increase addressed to a tenant, informing them of changes to their lease agreement. M/MHLTA Rent and Fee Increase Notice to Tenants This notice is required by Washington state law to inform you of your rights regarding rent and fee increases. There is a notice period before they can become effective. Learn about rent increase limits, new notice requirements, exemptions, and legal responsibilities for property owners The notice of rent increase must include the amount of new rent owing, the percentage the rent is increasing, and the date on which the increase becomes effective. Jun 12, 2025 · Washington State’s new 2025 rent control law limits rent increases and adds strict notice requirements. Jul 30, 2025 · Create a rent increase notice in minutes with step-by-step instructions. 050, also requires the notice to include a description of the rental relocation assistance program and how the relocation assistance payment will be calculated, if applicable. — The Department of Commerce announced today that the maximum allowable rent increase for 2026 is 9. The Department of Commerce has published the required information on May 29, 2025 which includes a rent increase cap of 10% for the Jun 8, 2025 · Additionally, tenants may terminate their rental agreement with at least 20 days' written notice if a rent increase exceeds the legal cap, without incurring lease break penalties. Typically, landlords must give this notice at least 60 days in advance. Feb 5, 2025 · If rent increases 7. May 8, 2025 · Washington has new limits on annual rent increases. No rent increase may be given in first 12 The proposed rent amount complies with state and local laws governing rent increases. However, in a subsidized tenancy, the landlord must give 30 days' notice before a rent increase can come into effect. The Initiative, outlined in TMC 1. Apr 30, 2024 · Ordinance C36515 amends the SMC regarding residential rental properties and establishes a minimum notice period for residential rent increases. (2) A landlord seeking to increase the rent upon expiration of the term of a rental agreement of any duration shall notify the tenant in writing three months prior to the effective date of any increase in rent. Rents for new tenants may be adjusted to May 15, 2025 · Understanding Washington State “Rent-Cap Bill”Washington State House Bill 1217, signed into law on May 7, 2025, introduces statewide rent stabilization measures aimed at protecting tenants and addressing housing affordability. For instance, if your rent is due on the first Sep 29, 2025 · For more information, refer to Washington rent control laws. 1 to Dec. Improving housing stability for tenants subject to the residential landlord-tenant act and the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act by limiting rent and fee increases, requiring notice of rent and fee increases, limiting fees and deposits, establishing a landlord resource center and associated services, authorizing tenant lease termination, creating parity between lease types, and Washington has no rent control laws so how much a landlord can raise rent in Washington in 2025 is at the discretion of the landlord and subject to the terms of your lease. This notification must comply with specific state laws regarding timing, content, and service methods to ensure legal validity and enforceability. Jul 9, 2025 · An affidavit of service should be completed and kept on file demonstrating how the rent increase notice was served. Effective immediately as of May 8, 2025, this bill introduces new limits on rent increases, stricter notice requirements, and enforcement powers for the Attorney General. You must provide the Seattle Rental Rights Handbook to tenants before each new lease or renewal. 18), if a landlord wants to increase the rent on a month-to-month tenancy, then their tenant (s) will need to be provided with a written (hard copy) 60-Day Notice of Rent Increase. But what will it change about the process of renting in WA? Oct 2, 2025 · Master sending a compliant rent increase notice. 31, 2025: 10% The maximum annual rent increase percentage allowed for calendar year 2026 will be published shortly after release of June 2025 data by the federal U. 3091 § 2, 2022). New Statewide Rent Control Rules. According to Washington State law, any rule change for month-to-month tenants, including a rent increase, requires thirty days written notice. The notice emphasizes the need for timely communication from the tenant regarding their decision to accept the rent increase or vacate Jun 22, 2025 · In Washington, specific state and local laws govern how and when a landlord can raise rent. 5 times the monthly rent If rent increases more than 10% — 3 times the monthly rent At any time after receiving the 180-day notice of a rent increase of 5% or more, a tenant deciding to relocate rather than paying the rent increase may send the housing provider a request for relocation assistance. Include a copy of the disclosure Notice of Rent Increase with each notice given. 6%, while Washington has introduced a law capping increases at 10% or less per year for many residential tenants. Statewide Notice Requirements for Rent Increases Under Washington’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, landlords must provide at May 7, 2025 · Rent Stabilization On May 7, 2025, a rent stabilization law (HB 1217) went into effect in Washington state. Failure to vacate by this date may result in legal action, including eviction. Reviser's note: This chapter was revised pursuant to Wash. Sep 29, 2023 · How much WA landlords can raise rent It is generally legal for your landlord to raise the rent as much as they’d like, so long as there is proper notice and no discrimination. Apr 11, 2025 · Download a sample rent increase letter template, available as a PDF or Word document. But, as you can see below, municipal and state regulations create a patchwork maze of regulation providers must navigate. Move-in fees (including deposits and non-refundable charges) cannot exceed one month’s rent. Apr 11, 2025 · A cap on annual residential rent increases in Washington state is closer than ever to becoming law. Because rent control is illegal in Washington State (RCW 35. They affect Washington landlords by capping rent increases, expanding tenant protections, and introducing stricter notice and enforcement rules. A Washington rent increase notice is used by a landlord to give notice to a tenant that their rent is going to increase. Jun 25, 2025 · Discover how Washington State’s new Rent Stabilization Act (HB 1217) is reshaping rental property rules for landlords and tenants alike. 140. If these conditions are met, send your tenant a Rent and Fee Increase Notice, including the tenant's name, address and unit number, proposed effective date, and proposed rent amount. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (1) The tenant shall conform to all reasonable obligations or restrictions, whether denominated by the landlord as rules, rental agreement, rent, or otherwise, concerning the use, occupation, and maintenance of his or her dwelling unit, appurtenances Rent and Fee Increase Notice This notice is required by Washington state law to inform you of your rights regarding rent and fee increases. If you’re a landlord in Washington State, the question isn’t can you raise rent anymore—it’s how you do it legally under the new HB 1217 rules. If you own your home and rent lot space in a mobile home park, readTenants May 8, 2025 · HB 1217 of the 2025 legislative session directed Commerce to create an “online resource center to distribute information to landlords about available programs, associated services and resources. As well as a variety of information and services deemed the "Landlord Resource Center". s. Combined with rent increases, these fees create significant additional financial strains for renter households. May 23, 2025 · IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS: If renewing a term lease, include with service of Rent Increase Notice, or if there is no increase, at least 60 days prior to end of the term. It outlines the new monthly rent amount effective upon lease renewal and details the tenant's options regarding lease renewal or moving out. May 7, 2025 · House Bill 1217 limits rent increases for existing tenants in Washington state to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower. You can use the attached “Notice of Increase to Housing Costs” OR send your tenant and SHA a notice including the tenant’s name, address and unit number, proposed effective date, and proposed rent amount. By: Mack Mayo, Shareholder Starting May 7, 2025, Washington housing providers are constrained with new rent controls and the Legislature enacted additional rent increase notice rules statewide. Under Washington Revised Code Title 59, Chapter 18 (Residential Jul 31, 2025 · Finally, notices of rent increase must now be delivered in the same way that a notice to pay rent or vacate has always been delivered. Rent increases in Washington State are governed by general state rules, local municipal rules, and for subsidized housing by Federal regulations. 683%. Bob Ferguson signed a bill on May 7 restricting rent increases in the state, joining California and Oregon as the third state, plus the District of Columbia, to institute rent control. Jan 21, 2025 · A summary of Washington rent control laws to find out how much a landlord can raise rent by, how often and for what reasons. Dec 9, 2023 · According to the Washington State Landlord-Tenant Laws (RCW 59. Following are the pseudo rent control tactics cities have enacted so far: • Lengthen the notice Jun 10, 2024 · Know the latest Washington state rent increase laws. Access essential rental lease agreement forms, notices, and templates designed to help landlords manage properties smoothly and stay legally compliant. (Ord. The landlord or landlord's agent must attempt personal delivery of the notice of rent increase by knocking on the door of the residence and attempting to hand deliver the notice of rent increase to the tenant. ‍ Washington State's Rental Agreement Laws Allow Eviction Increasing rent can be a source of a lot of friction between the landlord and the tenant. your tenant can notify you in writing after receiving notice of a housing cost increase, and the increase cannot go into effect until the standards are corrected. May 7, 2025 · Housing Cap on rent increases across Washington is signed into law Gov. 2226 (1973 1st ex. I have enclosed a copy of the law, RCW 59. The law caps rent increases at the lesser of 7% plus inflation or 10%. Oct 7, 2025 · Landlords are not allowed to increase rent if the dwelling unit has “defective conditions” making the rental home uninhabitable. (after California and Oregon) to pass this kind of legislation. This is expected in July 2025. For manufactured and mobile To request a rent increase and/or change in utilities you must provide written notice to your tenant and to SHA. See types of rental agreements. RCW 59. Single-Family Rental Agreement for any property with just one residence. The following rental properties are exempt from Newer rental units (where certificate of occupancy was issued 12 or less years before the date of the notice of the rent increase) Affordable rental units, to include: Jul 22, 2025 · Rent increase laws in 2025 vary across states, with many regions setting clear limits on how much landlords can raise rent annually. state to enact statewide rent control – joining California and Oregon – with the passage of House Bill 1217. Senate passes Understanding Your Washington Rent Increase Notice A Washington rent increase notice is a formal written document that landlords must provide tenants before raising rental rates. 2d 563, 564 P. Be sure your contact information is also on the notice. Jun 30, 2025 · In 2025, Washington state introduced significant protections for renters by capping annual rent hikes and strengthening notice requirements. 140 Reasonable obligations or restrictions—Tenant's duty to conform—Landlord's duty to provide written notice in increase of rent. Bob Ferguson signed the bill on Wednesday, it takes effect immediately and will not allow for hikes of more than 10% in a year. According to the 2021 American community survey, nearly one out of every four renters in the state of Washington is over the age of 55. unnalhek zsohj dwr yuqt vyjbhe owsw ilfujkt iia nietikzoq skmjog bwsz wgktg hsgmn qtbwkwa kvt