Washington state strictly regulates the process for increasing rent, but it explicitly prohibits local municipalities and the state from enacting rent control. Recent attempts to introduce rent stabilization, such as House Bill 1217, did not pass into law. Therefore, there are no statewide caps on the amount a landlord can increase rent.

1. No Statewide Rent Cap

Under Washington law, there is no maximum annual rent increase limit. Rent control is prohibited in the state. Landlords are free to increase rent to market rates, provided they follow the proper notice procedures and the increase is not retaliatory or discriminatory.

2. Fixed-Term vs. Month-to-Month Leases

• Fixed-Term Leases: Landlords are generally prohibited from increasing rent during the term of a fixed lease unless the lease agreement specifically allows for it.
• Month-to-Month Leases: Rent can be increased, but the landlord must provide the proper statutory notice.

3. The 60-Day Notice Requirement

Under RCW 59.18.140, landlords must provide a 60-day written notice to the tenant before any rent increase takes effect.

Delivery and Form Requirements

• The notice must be served in writing.
• Any rent increase must be timed to coincide with the end of a rental period.
• Subsidized housing tenancies may have different notice requirements based on the specific program.

4. Exemptions and Special Cases

• Subsidized Housing: Government-subsidized housing where the rent is determined by a formula tied to the tenant's income is subject to 30 days' notice for rent increases, rather than the standard 60 days.

5. Tenant Protections and Penalties

• A landlord cannot use a rent increase to retaliate against a tenant for exercising their legal rights (such as complaining to a government agency about code violations).
• If a tenant believes a rent increase is retaliatory or discriminatory, they may seek legal counsel or contact local tenant advocacy groups.

6. Local Ordinances

Several Washington cities have pre-existing rent increase protections that are more restrictive regarding notice periods or provide economic protections:

• Seattle: Requires longer notice periods for certain rent increases and has an "Economic Eviction" ordinance that may trigger relocation assistance if a rent increase is 10% or more.
• Tacoma: Also has additional local ordinances regarding notice periods and tenant relocation assistance triggered by large rent increases.
• Where local law is more protective than state law regarding notice or assistance, the local ordinance prevails (though local rent control itself is still prohibited).

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How Landager Helps

Managing Washington properties requires precision, especially with Seattle's strict security deposit caps and the statewide 30-day return deadline. Landager automates the mandatory move-in checklist process, tracks the 14-day "pay or vacate" notices, and ensures rent increases are delivered with the required 60-day notice. From managing installment payment requests to staying compliant with Just Cause eviction requirements, Landager helps you navigate the complex RCW 59.18 landscape.