What is the new landlord-tenant law in Washington state?
Asked by: Mariela DuBuque | Last update: July 10, 2026Score: 5/5 (74 votes)
As of May 7, 2025, Washington state enacted landmark rent stabilization and tenant protection legislation, House Bill 1217 (HB 1217), which restricts annual rent increases to the lesser of 7% plus inflation or 10% for most residential tenancies. The law prohibits rent hikes during the first 12 months of any tenancy and requires 90 days' written notice for increases.
What is the new Washington landlord-tenant law?
Your landlord may not raise your rent, in any amount, during the first 12 months of your tenancy. That applies regardless of whether your lease is month-to-month or for a fixed term. Your landlord must provide you at least 90 days' advance notice, in writing, before raising rent.
What not to say to your landlord?
What not to say to your landlord? Never say, "I lost my job" or "I can't pay rent this month." These statements can alarm your landlord and lead to trust issues. Instead of making alarming statements, it's better to discuss any difficulties you might be facing in a constructive way.
How much can a landlord legally raise your rent in Washington state?
As of May 2025, Washington state law (HB 1217) caps annual residential rent increases at the lesser of 7% plus inflation (CPI) or 10% per 12-month period. Rent cannot be raised during the first 12 months of a tenancy, and landlords must provide at least 90 days' written notice for any increase.
What's the maximum rent increase for 2026?
The 2026 rent increase limit for residential tenancies is 2.3%. If utilities and other fees are included in the rent, the landlord still cannot increase the rent beyond this amount even if their costs are higher.
Exemptions & Required Notice: Residential Landlord-Tenant Act Changes: Part 2: Legal Hotline 2025
Can I say no to a rent increase?
There is no set limit to how much your landlord can increase the rent. But the rent should be around the same as similar homes in your area. This is often called a 'market rent'. You do not have to agree to an increase if you think it's too high.
What are red flags for landlords?
Poor Credit or Evictions
A low credit score, past evictions, or collections tied to previous landlords should raise a red flag.
How much notice does a landlord have to give a tenant to move out in Washington state?
In Washington State, landlords must provide a written 20-day notice to end a month-to-month tenancy, served before the end of the rental period. However, under "just cause" laws, landlords typically need a legal reason and often 60 to 120 days' notice for no-fault evictions like owner-occupancy, sale, or renovations.
How much rent increase is allowed in WA?
In Western Australia, rents cannot be increased more than every 12 months with a 60-day' notice. You can find out the details here. For fixed-term agreements, rent cannot be increased unless it is written into the agreement. There is no cap on how much rent can be increased in Western Australia.
What happens if landlord does not return deposit within 21 days in Washington?
If a Washington landlord does not provide a deposit refund or an itemized statement within 21 days (or 30 days depending on the specific statute version/rental agreement), they must return the full deposit. The landlord loses the right to keep any portion for damages, and the tenant may sue for up to double the deposit amount plus court costs.
What decreases property value the most?
Property values are primarily decreased by location-based factors that are impossible to change, followed by severe structural neglect. While cosmetic updates can be fixed easily, long-term desirability is driven by broader environmental and community elements.
Can my landlord see what I'm browsing?
If you are renting a property and using the landlord's Wi-Fi network, they can see your internet activity. The same principles apply as for any other Wi-Fi network, as all your internet traffic goes through the router, which means that the landlord can see what websites you are visiting.
What are landlords' biggest fears?
Most landlords worry that they won't see rent, and the longer it doesn't get paid, the more hopeless the situation can feel. The best way to avoid this dilemma is to screen your tenants thoroughly. Verify that your tenant earns enough to cover the rental payment.
What is the maximum rent increase in Washington state 2026?
Starting January 1, 2026, the maximum allowable rent increase for most residential tenancies in Washington is 9.683%. This figure is not arbitrary; it is the result of a specific legislative formula designed to cap rent growth at 7% plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI), or 10%, whichever is lower.
How long does it take to evict a tenant in WA state?
In Washington State, the eviction process typically takes 3 to 6 weeks if the tenant does not contest the case. However, realistic timelines often span 1 to 3 months, and can drag out to 4–6 months in high-traffic or understaffed areas (like King County) or if the tenant contests the eviction.
What qualifies as landlord negligence?
California landlords have a legal duty to keep rental properties in a reasonably safe and habitable condition. This obligation goes far beyond cosmetic issues, it includes addressing hazards that could foreseeably cause injury. Examples of landlord negligence include: Broken staircases or loose handrails.
How often can a landlord raise your rent in Washington?
RCW 59.18. 700 specifies that a landlord may not increase the rent for any type of tenancy during the first 12 months after the tenancy begins. After the first 12 months, a landlord may increase the rent during any 12-month period of the tenancy up to 7% plus the Consumer Price Index, or 10 percent, whichever is less.
What is the maximum rent increase for 2026?
📢 BC's 2026 Rent Increase Cap Set at 2.3% If your landlord plans to increase your rent this year, here's what you need to know: 🏠 The 2026 rent cap is 2.3% — this is the maximum amount most residential landlords can raise the rent by in B.C. 📅 Rent can only be increased once every 12 months, and landlords must give ...
What not to say to a landlord?
Certain things are better left unsaid, such as...
- 'I hate my current landlord' Every potential landlord is going to ask why you're moving. ...
- 'Let me ask you one more question' ...
- 'I can't wait to get a puppy' ...
- 'My partner works right up the street' ...
- 'I move all the time'
What can't a landlord do in Washington State?
In Washington State, landlords are prohibited from using "self-help" evictions, such as locking tenants out, shutting off utilities, or seizing property without a court order. They cannot retaliate against tenants for exercising legal rights, discriminate based on source of income, or enter without proper notice.
Can a tenant be evicted immediately?
A landlord must provide the tenant with written notice of the eviction. Firstly, it is important to note that a landlord cannot evict a tenant without following the proper legal procedures.
Are scuff marks on walls wear and tear?
Light scuff marks, minor nicks, and small scratches on walls are typically considered normal wear and tear. These are generally caused by daily living, such as moving furniture or brushing against walls, and are often not chargeable to tenants, especially after a long-term tenancy.
How to spot a bad landlord?
5 Signs of a Negligent Landlord
- A Property in Disrepair Due to Ignored Maintenance Requests. ...
- Poor Communication With Tenants. ...
- Discrimination During the Leasing Process. ...
- Unclear Lease or No Lease at All. ...
- Unusual Terms or Rental Scams. ...
- Potential Safety Concerns and Hazards of Negligent Landlords.
What devalues a house most?
Severe structural damage, unpermitted additions, and an undesirable location are the top factors that devalue a house the most. These issues can slash a property's value by 10% to 20% or more, deterring buyers and making the home difficult to finance.
What is the 5 rule rent?
Definition: The 5% rule suggests that an investor should aim for a combined 5% return on rent and appreciation. In other words, the total annual rent and expected property value increase should be at least 5% of the property's purchase price.