Rent increase laws in Washington
Know if it's legal before you pay it
I rent in .
Rent goes from $ to $.
Possible violation
+16.7%
+$300 a month · $3,600 a year
I got days' notice.
- Above Washington's ~10% yearly cap. Likely illegal unless your unit is exempt.
- Washington requires 90 days' written notice for this raise.
What to do: ask for the increase in writing and keep the notice. If it breaks a cap or skips notice, you can push back.
› Washington fine print
Statewide cap (HB 1217, 2025): 7% + CPI, capped at 10% (9.683% for 2026); manufactured homes capped at 5%. No increase in the first 12 months of tenancy; 90 days' written notice required.
General info, not legal advice. City rent control can be stricter, and some units are exempt.
The rules at a glance
Notice required
90 days
Written notice before a month-to-month increase.
Statewide rent cap
~10% / yr
A statewide limit applies - though many units are exempt.
Statewide cap (HB 1217, 2025): 7% + CPI, capped at 10% (9.683% for 2026); manufactured homes capped at 5%. No increase in the first 12 months of tenancy; 90 days' written notice required.
Source: RCW §§59.18.140, 59.18.700 (HB 1217, 2025) · reviewed Jul 3, 2026
Can my landlord raise my rent in Washington?
In Washington, a landlord generally must give at least 90 days' written notice before raising the rent on a month-to-month tenancy. Washington also caps annual increases at roughly 10%, but newer buildings and certain unit types are often exempt.
Either way, your rent is generally locked for a fixed-term lease. A landlord can't raise it mid-lease unless the lease allows it.
How much, and how soon
The cap
Only a few states limit how much rent can rise each year. Many cities have their own limits.
The notice
Usually 30 days in writing. Often more for big raises. Short notice can void it.
Good to know
How much can my landlord raise rent?+
In most states, there's no limit. A few, like California and Oregon, cap yearly raises. Many cities have their own rules.
How much notice do I need?+
Usually 30 days in writing. Big raises often need more. California requires 90 for raises over 10%.
Can rent go up mid-lease?+
Usually not. A fixed-term lease locks your rent unless it says otherwise.
What if I didn't get proper notice?+
The raise may not hold. Ask for it in writing and keep the notice.
Keep going
Other states
Educational information, not legal advice - figures are general and laws change. How we keep this accurate & where to verify → · Spot an error? Tell us →