General information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules change, and cities and counties can add their own. Check the current statute and local ordinances, and talk to a licensed attorney before you act.
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The short version
- Washington limits most residential rent increases to 7 percent plus the Seattle area consumer price index, or 10 percent, whichever is lower, in any 12 month period. The Department of Commerce publishes the limit for each year.
- No rent increase is allowed during the first 12 months of a tenancy, and after that increases are capped statewide, with exemptions for units whose first certificate of occupancy is 12 years old or newer, some owner occupied homes and certain public or nonprofit housing.
- Landlords must give at least 90 days of written notice before a rent increase, and an increase cannot take effect before a fixed term ends.
- For subsidized tenancies where rent is based on household income, the notice period is 30 days.
Since May 2025 Washington limits how much most residential rents can rise in any 12 month period. The limit is 7 percent plus inflation, never more than 10 percent, and newer buildings and some owner occupied homes are exempt.
Washington rent control at a glance
| Rule | Washington | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Rent control status | Washington limits most residential rent increases to 7 percent plus the Seattle area consumer price index, or 10 percent, whichever is lower, in any 12 month period. The Department of Commerce publishes the limit for each year. | RCW 59.18.700 |
| Statewide cap on increases | No rent increase is allowed during the first 12 months of a tenancy, and after that increases are capped statewide, with exemptions for units whose first certificate of occupancy is 12 years old or newer, some owner occupied homes and certain public or nonprofit housing. | RCW 59.18.700 and RCW 59.18.710 |
| Notice before a rent increase | Landlords must give at least 90 days of written notice before a rent increase, and an increase cannot take effect before a fixed term ends. | RCW 59.18.140 |
| Notice before a rent increase | For subsidized tenancies where rent is based on household income, the notice period is 30 days. | RCW 59.18.140 |
Does Washington have rent control?
Rent control status. Washington limits most residential rent increases to 7 percent plus the Seattle area consumer price index, or 10 percent, whichever is lower, in any 12 month period. The Department of Commerce publishes the limit for each year. (RCW 59.18.700)
Limits on increases
Statewide cap on increases. No rent increase is allowed during the first 12 months of a tenancy, and after that increases are capped statewide, with exemptions for units whose first certificate of occupancy is 12 years old or newer, some owner occupied homes and certain public or nonprofit housing. (RCW 59.18.700 and RCW 59.18.710)
City and county rules
We could not confirm a statewide rule here. Check your county court or a local attorney.
Notice before an increase
Notice before a rent increase. Landlords must give at least 90 days of written notice before a rent increase, and an increase cannot take effect before a fixed term ends. (RCW 59.18.140)
Notice before a rent increase. For subsidized tenancies where rent is based on household income, the notice period is 30 days. (RCW 59.18.140)
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a unit is exempt without checking the exemption rules and any notice the exemption requires.
- Following state rules and missing a stricter city ordinance.
- Raising rent in the middle of a fixed term when the lease does not allow it.
- Giving less notice than the increase requires.
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General information, not legal advice.
Verify current law
We last checked these Washington rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a Washington attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- RCW 59.18.700
- RCW 59.18.700 and RCW 59.18.710
- RCW 59.18.140
Official sources
Washington forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
Before you act on it. Check the statute too; this is not legal advice.
Does Washington have rent control?
Washington limits most residential rent increases to 7 percent plus the Seattle area consumer price index, or 10 percent, whichever is lower, in any 12 month period. The Department of Commerce publishes the limit for each year. Source: RCW 59.18.700.
How much can rent go up in a year in Washington?
No rent increase is allowed during the first 12 months of a tenancy, and after that increases are capped statewide, with exemptions for units whose first certificate of occupancy is 12 years old or newer, some owner occupied homes and certain public or nonprofit housing. Source: RCW 59.18.700 and RCW 59.18.710.