Rent Increase Notice Requirements in Washington

At a glance

Requirements one by one

Notice period and fixed term

Under RCW 59.18.140(3)(a), the ordinary rule is at least 90 days' prior written notice. The increase cannot take effect before the current rental- agreement term is complete. An income-based subsidized tenancy instead receives at least 30 days' notice, and the increase may begin sooner than term completion only by mutual consent.

The subsection's 60-day rule is a narrow transition. It applies only to a specified-term agreement entered into or renewed before May 7, 2025 that, on that date, had more than 60 but fewer than 90 days remaining. It is not an ongoing alternative to the ordinary 90-day period.

Statewide cap and frequency

For a covered tenancy, RCW 59.18.700(1) bars any increase during the first 12 months after the tenancy begins. During a later 12-month period, the maximum is the lower of 7% plus the June year-over-year Seattle-area CPI change or 10%. The Department of Commerce calculates and publishes the percentage for the following calendar year, so the statutory formula should be checked rather than replaced with a permanently frozen annual number.

The mandatory notice language in RCW 59.18.720(3) tells tenants that rent and other recurring or periodic occupancy charges may be raised once every 12 months. Those recurring charges are combined with rent for the cap and notice.

Exempt homes

The principal cap exemptions are in RCW 59.18.710. They include a unit whose first certificate of occupancy was issued 12 or fewer years before the notice, specified public or nonprofit regulated housing and low-income developments, and several owner-occupied arrangements. The owner-shared and owner-occupied exemptions in subsections (1)(e)-(g) do not apply to a REIT, corporation, or an LLC with a corporate member.

An exemption removes the percentage limit; it does not remove the ordinary timing and form rules. A landlord increasing above the cap under an exemption must state supporting facts in the notice.

Form and service

Section 59.18.720 requires a notice substantially the same as the statutory form. The completed form identifies the tenant and address, effective date, percentage increase, monthly dollar increase, new total recurring amount, and whether the increase is below the maximum, at the maximum, or based on an exemption. A claimed exemption requires supporting facts or documents. The notice must be served under RCW 59.12.040.

Remedies

For an increase above the cap without an exemption, RCW 59.18.700(3) first requires the tenant to give the landlord a written opportunity to cure by reducing the increase. Before the increase takes effect, the tenant may also end the agreement on at least 20 days' written notice without a termination fee, although rent remains due for the full month in which the tenant leaves.

In an enforcement action, RCW 59.18.700(5) requires an award of excess rent or charges paid, up to three months of unlawful rent or charges, and reasonable attorney fees and costs. The Attorney General may also sue and seek a civil penalty up to $7,500 per violation. The landlord may not report nonpayment of the unlawfully increased portion to a tenant-screening provider. The cap, exemption, form, and enforcement sections expire July 1, 2040.

What trips people up

The 90-day clock, first-year bar, once-per-12-month statement, percentage cap, and fixed-term restriction are separate requirements. Satisfying one does not cure a violation of another. Likewise, an exempt unit can exceed the cap only if the notice still supplies the required timing, form, and exemption facts.

The cap covers more than the line labeled base rent. The statutory form defines the rental amount to include recurring and periodic charges identified in the agreement for use and occupancy, and asks for one new total monthly amount.

Common questions

Can the landlord raise rent before a one-year lease ends?

Not unilaterally under the ordinary rule. Section 59.18.140(3)(a) says the increase may not become effective before the rental-agreement term is complete. The income-based subsidized exception permits an earlier date only by mutual consent.

Does a newer building receive no notice protection?

No. A certificate of occupancy issued 12 or fewer years before notice can exempt the tenancy from the percentage cap under RCW 59.18.710(1)(a), but the landlord still must follow the applicable notice timing and statutory form.

Can a tenant leave instead of accepting an excessive increase?

Yes, if the increase exceeds the cap without an exemption and has not yet taken effect. Section 59.18.700(3) permits termination on at least 20 days' written notice, without fines or termination fees, after the tenant gives a written cure demand. Rent remains due for the entire move-out month.

Statutes and sources

• RCW 59.18.140(3). The 90-day ordinary notice, 30-day income-based subsidized rule, fixed-term timing, and narrow 2025 transition. Official code (accessed July 12, 2026).
• RCW 59.18.700(1)-(8). First-year bar, cap formula, cure and termination options, damages, enforcement, screening protection, and 2040 expiration. Official code (accessed July 12, 2026).
• RCW 59.18.710. Exempt tenancy categories and ownership conditions. Official code (accessed July 12, 2026).
• RCW 59.18.720. Required statutory form, fields, supporting facts, and service cross-reference. Official code (accessed July 12, 2026).