How much can a landlord raise rent in Washington?

Since HB 1217 took effect in May 2025, most increases are capped at the lesser of 7% plus CPI or 10% in any 12-month period — 9.683% for 2026 — with no increase allowed in the first year of a tenancy. Manufactured-home lots are capped at 5%, and some cities (like Seattle) require longer notice.

What is the security deposit limit in Washington?

There is no statewide dollar cap on the deposit amount, but the landlord must give a written move-in condition checklist and return the deposit within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement. Seattle caps deposits at one month's rent.

Does Washington require just cause to evict?

Yes. Since 2021 (RCW 59.18.650), a landlord must have a legally allowed reason to end most tenancies — they can't simply decline to renew because the lease term ended. Non-payment of rent uses a 14-day pay-or-vacate notice.

How much notice before a landlord enters in Washington?

At least 2 days' notice for entry (and 1 day to show the unit to prospective tenants or buyers) under RCW 59.18.150, except in a genuine emergency. Entry must be at reasonable times.

How much notice to raise rent in Washington?

At least 90 days' written notice for a rent increase statewide, raised from 60 days by HB 1217. Seattle requires 180 days. The increase must also stay within the statewide cap.

How much can a landlord raise rent in Washington?

Since HB 1217 took effect in May 2025, most increases are capped at the lesser of 7% plus CPI or 10% in any 12-month period — 9.683% for 2026 — with no increase allowed in the first year of a tenancy. Manufactured-home lots are capped at 5%, and some cities (like Seattle) require longer notice.

What is the security deposit limit in Washington?

There is no statewide dollar cap on the deposit amount, but the landlord must give a written move-in condition checklist and return the deposit within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement. Seattle caps deposits at one month's rent.

Does Washington require just cause to evict?

Yes. Since 2021 (RCW 59.18.650), a landlord must have a legally allowed reason to end most tenancies — they can't simply decline to renew because the lease term ended. Non-payment of rent uses a 14-day pay-or-vacate notice.

How much notice before a landlord enters in Washington?

At least 2 days' notice for entry (and 1 day to show the unit to prospective tenants or buyers) under RCW 59.18.150, except in a genuine emergency. Entry must be at reasonable times.

How much notice to raise rent in Washington?

At least 90 days' written notice for a rent increase statewide, raised from 60 days by HB 1217. Seattle requires 180 days. The increase must also stay within the statewide cap.

Home United StatesWashington

AI Analysis Coming Soon

Washington Tenant Rights & Lease Help

Washington became a rent-cap state in 2025. Between HB 1217's statewide limit, just-cause eviction, and a 14-day pay-or-vacate rule, it's now one of the more tenant-protective states. Here's what Washington law provides.

By the LeasePlain Editorial Team · Checked against Washington RCW 59.18 & HB 1217 per our editorial standards·Last reviewed October 2026

Washington Tenancy Law Overview

Washington residential tenancies are governed by the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18). A run of recent reforms — just-cause eviction (2021), a longer pay-or-vacate notice, and the HB 1217 statewide rent cap (2025) — have moved Washington from a fairly landlord-friendly state toward strong tenant protection.

Local rules can go further: Seattle in particular adds longer notice periods and a one-month deposit cap. Always check your city's ordinance on top of state law.

Key Washington Tenant Protections

Statewide rent cap: under HB 1217 (effective May 7, 2025), most rent increases are limited to the lesser of 7% plus CPI or 10% per 12-month period — 9.683% for 2026. No increase is allowed in the first 12 months of a tenancy.
Rent-increase notice went from 60 to 90 days statewide; manufactured-home lots have a lower 5% cap.
Just cause required: since 2021 (RCW 59.18.650), a landlord must have a legally allowed reason to end most tenancies — a lease simply expiring is not enough.
Non-payment eviction uses a 14-day pay-or-vacate notice (increased from 3 days in 2019).
No statewide dollar cap on security deposits, but the landlord must provide a move-in condition checklist, and (as of 2023) return the deposit within 30 days. Seattle caps deposits at one month's rent.
Landlords must give at least 2 days' notice before entering (RCW 59.18.150), except in emergencies.
Seattle and some other cities add stronger local protections (e.g., longer rent-increase notice).

Washington Cities

Seattle

Strong local protections — 180-day rent-increase notice, 1-month deposit cap

Tacoma

Tenant-protection ordinance layered on state law

Spokane

State law applies; growing rental market

A dedicated Seattle guide is coming soon.