Wondering where we’ve landed in terms of rent control in Washington State?
You’re asking at exactly the right time. Since rent control requirements were signed into law in 2025, Washington landlords have now had time to adjust to the new rules. As we move through 2026, it’s important to understand what the law requires, who is covered by it, and how to plan appropriately for rent increases this year.
Quick Overview:
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House Bill 1217 and the Arrival of Rent Control Statewide
The most significant update for Washington landlords is that rent control is now in effect statewide.
House Bill 1217 was signed into law in May 2025, and its provisions took effect immediately. This means rent increases for existing tenants are now permanently regulated unless the law is amended or allowed to expire.
The law restricts rental increases to 7 percent plus inflation, or 10 percent, whichever is lower. Because inflation remained elevated when the law was implemented, the maximum allowable increase for much of 2025 was capped at 10 percent.
This law also prohibits rental increases in the first year of a tenancy.
Exemptions to Washington State Rent Control
House Bill 1217 is currently set to expire in 2040 unless renewed by the state legislature. And, like most laws, there are exceptions to it. Here are the property types that do not face limits on rental increases:
New construction properties with a certificate of occupancy within the last 12 years.
Public housing authorities and low-income housing developments as well as affordable properties rented out by nonprofit organizations.
Duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes in which the owner lives in one of the units.
Manufactured homes are not exempt, but increases on those rents are capped at 5%.
Enforcement of Rent Control
Landlords are not permitted to evict a tenant just so they can establish a higher rent.
And, you are not permitted to evict a tenant who refuses to pay any rent that has been unlawfully raised.
In the event a landlord increases rent above the amount allowed and the increase is not authorized by an exemption, the tenant has the right to send the landlord a written demand to reduce the increase to an amount that complies with the law.
If the tenant would rather terminate the rental agreement, they have the right to do that, at any time before the effective date of the unlawful rental increase, with only 20 days of written notice.
A tenant or the state attorney general can bring litigation to enforce compliance, and if the attorney general gets involved, they can recover up to $7,500 from the landlord per violation.
Notice Periods for Rental Increases
Notices of rent increases are now required 90 days before they go into effect, up from 60 days under previous law. Make sure you’re reviewing your renewal dates. It will be important for you to get in touch with your tenants at least 90 days before the end of the lease term, to offer a renewal and to let them know what the new rent will be.
Make sure your lease agreement is fully compliant with this new law.
Planning for 2026
While the maximum allowable rent increase for much of 2025 was 10 percent, the limit for 2026 has been adjusted.
For residential tenancies renewing in 2026, the maximum allowable rent increase is 9.683 percent. This figure is determined by the Washington State Department of Commerce and reflects the 7 percent base cap plus applicable inflation rates.
If you have leases renewing in 2026, it is important to ensure rent adjustments do not exceed this limit unless the property qualifies for an exemption.
How to Comply Quickly if You’re a Washington Landlord
Thoroughly review the text of HB 1217 to understand its specific provisions and how they apply to your properties. If you don’t have access to the actual language of the bill or you’re not quite sure how to interpret the law, reach out to us at SunWorld Group and we’ll give you our full analysis.
Here’s what you should be doing as this law becomes our new normal:
Review Existing Leases
Examine your current lease agreements to determine when rent increases are due and whether they comply with the new limits. You may have to make some adjustments if you were planning for a larger increase this month or next month, for example.
Update Rent Increase Policies
As we recommended already, make sure you check your existing lease agreements. Adjust your policies to ensure that any future rent increases for existing tenants adhere to the 7% plus inflation or 10% cap. Unless your property is exempt, you’ll want to have this stated clearly in your lease agreements.
Provide Proper Notice
Always provide the required 90-day written notice for any rent increase, ensuring the notice includes the new rent amount and the effective date. If your existing leases have been scheduled for contact within the old 60-day framework, make sure you adjust them to trigger communication with tenants at least 90 days ahead of the lease end date.
Communicate with Tenants
Open communication with tenants about the rent increase can help prevent misunderstandings and potential disputes. This can be a dialogue that contributes to a stronger landlord/tenant relationship.
If you have any questions or concerns about compliance, consult with a legal professional specializing in landlord-tenant law. And remember: the law primarily regulates rent increases for existing tenants. You can still adjust rent by higher amounts when a new lease is signed. Incoming tenants are not protected by any rental limits.
We can walk you through the specifics of this law as it pertains to your properties. Please contact us at SunWorld Group. We’re here to help with all your property management needs, and provide services throughout Southwest Washington and Southeast Florida.
