Washington: Rent Increase Notice Requirements

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).