Washington Rent Increase Laws

Last Updated: January 11, 2024 by Jessica Menefee

Rent Increase Facts Answer
Reason Needed? No
Maximum Amount None
Required Notice 30 or 60 Days

Does Washington Have Rent Control Laws?

Washington does not have rent control laws limiting the amount that landlords request for rent. State law prohibits local governments from establishing rent control laws.

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When Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Washington?

Landlords in Washington can raise the rent at any time, as long as they comply with the following:

  • Wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease)
  • Give reasonable notice
  • Aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons

example

60 days before the end of a year-long lease, a landlord sends the tenant a notice that rent will increase by 9.5% if they choose to renew the lease.

When Can’t a Landlord Raise Rent in Washington?

Landlords in Washington may not raise the rent if:

  • It is done in response to a protected tenant action, such as submitting a notice of defect. This is known as “retaliation.” An action is considered retaliatory if it occurs within 90 days of the tenant action.
  • It is during the middle of a lease’s fixed term (unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement).
  • The increase is applied in a way that discriminates against one of the protected classes specified in the Fair Housing Act.

    In addition to the characteristics above, Seattle’s Fair Chance Housing law also prohibits discrimination due to:

    • Immigration status
    • Political ideology
    • Military or veteran status
    • Participation in Section 8 or other subsidy programs
    • Alternative source of income

      How Often Can Rent Be Increased in Washington?

      Landlords in Washington can increase the rent as often as they choose as long as they provide sufficient notice each time.

      How Much Notice is Needed to Raise Rent in Washington?

      Washington law prohibits landlords from increasing rent during a lease term and requires that landlords give 60 days’ notice before increasing rent. For subsidized housing, landlords are only required to provide 30 days’ notice . However, city laws may require a larger amount of notice.

      example

      Seattle law requires that landlords give 180 days’ notice for new leases after November 8, 2021 . For subsidized housing, the state’s 30-day notice period still applies. .

      Landlords do not need to provide a reason for the rent increase on the notice letter. When the tenant receives the notice, they may choose to enter a new lease at a higher rate or move out.

      How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Washington?

      In Washington, landlords can raise the rent by any amount. There is no legal limit or cap on the amount of a rent increase. However, some cities may enact certain rules for rent increases. 

      tip

      In Seattle, if a landlord increases rent by more than 10%, the tenant is entitled to request three times the monthly rent to cover moving costs .

      Sources

      Rent Increases & Fees in Other States