Effective May 8, 2025, Washington State enacted House Bill 1217 (HB 1217), introducing statewide rent control measures. Property owners should be aware of the following key provisions:
- Rent Increase Limits: Annual increases are capped at the lesser of 7% plus inflation (CPI) or 10%, and no increases are allowed during the first 12 months of tenancy.
- Notice Requirements: Landlords must provide 90 days’ written notice for any rent increase. For increases effective on or after July 27, 2025, notice must be sent via certified mail.
- Tenant Protections: If a rent increase exceeds the legal cap, tenants may terminate their lease without penalty by giving 20 days’ notice.
- Enforcement: The Attorney General may impose civil penalties up to $7,500 per violation for noncompliance.
- Exemptions: The law does not apply to units with a certificate of occupancy issued within the last 12 years, certain nonprofit and affordable housing, and manufactured home communities, which are subject to a separate 5% cap.
Additional Guidance
The Washington State Department of Commerce has launched a Landlord Resource Center to help property owners understand and comply with HB 1217. It includes tools, FAQs, and annual rent cap updates.
