What is the maximum legal rent increase in Washington?

For most month-to-month tenancies in Washington, the maximum allowable rent increase is approximately 10% per year. Some properties (newer construction, owner-occupied, single-family in certain cases) may be exempt, and local rent-control ordinances can be stricter.

How much notice must a landlord give before raising rent in Washington?

Washington requires at least 60 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect on a month-to-month tenancy. Notice must usually be delivered in writing — verbal notice does not satisfy the requirement.

What can I do if my landlord raises rent illegally in Washington?

If your landlord raises rent above Washington's limit or without the required 60-day notice, you generally do not have to pay the unlawful portion. Document the notice, send a written dispute letter citing the rule, and contact a local tenant-rights or legal-aid organization. Rent Clarified offers a free dispute-letter generator and notice checker.

WashingtonLast reviewed April 2026

Is a rent increase legal in Washington in 2026?

Q: Is a rent increase legal in Washington in 2026?

A rent increase in Washington is legal if it does not exceed roughly 10% per year and the landlord gives at least 60 days' written notice. Increases above the cap or with shorter notice are generally unenforceable.

Q: Is there rent control in Washington?

Yes — Washington has statewide rent control. HB 1217 (2025) caps annual residential rent increases at 7% + CPI, with a 10% maximum. 60-day written notice required statewide. Manufactured-home pads have a separate, lower cap.

Q: Can my landlord raise rent during my lease in Washington?

Generally no — a fixed-term lease in Washington locks the rent until the lease ends. Increases typically apply only at renewal or on a month-to-month tenancy with proper 60-day written notice.

As of 2025, Washington caps yearly rent increases at 7% plus local inflation, never more than 10%. Your landlord must give you 60 days' written notice. Manufactured-home lots have a separate, lower cap.

Statewide cap

10% / year

Notice required

60 days

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State listings sourced from the federal Legal Services Corporation (LSC) grantee directory. Educational information, not legal advice or endorsement.

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Common questions about Washington rent

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions renters in Washington ask most. También disponible en español.

Can my landlord raise my rent in Washington? →How much can rent be raised in Washington? →How much notice is required for a rent increase in Washington? →Is a 10% rent increase legal in Washington? →Can my landlord raise rent without notice in Washington? →Can my landlord raise rent during my lease in Washington? →What if my rent increase is illegal in Washington? →Is there rent control in Washington? →How often can rent be raised in Washington? →Can my landlord raise rent after my lease ends in Washington? →

How much can rent increase in Washington?

In Washington, most landlords cannot raise rent by more than approximately 10% per year. This cap is set at the state level and applies to most residential rentals, though some exemptions exist (typically newer buildings or owner-occupied properties).

Notice requirements

Washington requires landlords to give at least 60 days written notice before raising rent on a month-to-month tenant. For fixed-term leases, increases generally only take effect at renewal.

Source

Reviewed against RCW §59.18 (HB 1217) (opens in new tab) as of April 2026.

Educational only — not legal advice. This page summarizes statewide rules and may not reflect city ordinances, your specific lease, or recent changes. For your situation, consult a licensed attorney or your local tenant-rights organization. Read our full Disclaimer.

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