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Rent Control Laws in Washington

Washington has a statewide rent cap since May 7, 2025: increases are limited to 7% plus CPI or 10%, whichever is lower, in any 12-month period, and state law bars cities and towns from adopting rent control.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Washington at a glance

Statewide rent cap
Yes, 7% plus CPI, max 10%
No increase in the first 12 months of a tenancy. Units with a certificate of occupancy 12 years old or newer and some owner-occupied and nonprofit housing are exempt. Expires July 1, 2040.
Local rent control banned
Yes, banned by state law
Cities and towns may still regulate rent on publicly owned or managed property and by agreement with private owners.
Local rent control
None, state law bars local rent control

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Washington

Does Washington have a statewide rent cap?

Yes, 7% plus CPI, max 10%. Statewide rent cap in Washington: yes, 7% plus cpi, max 10%. No increase in the first 12 months of a tenancy. Units with a certificate of occupancy 12 years old or newer and some owner-occupied and nonprofit housing are exempt. Expires July 1, 2040.

Does Washington law ban cities from adopting rent control?

Yes, banned by state law. Local rent control banned in Washington: yes, banned by state law. Cities and towns may still regulate rent on publicly owned or managed property and by agreement with private owners.

Which cities in Washington have rent control?

Local rent control in Washington: None, state law bars local rent control.

Where do the Washington rent control laws come from?

The rules above come from RCW 59.18.700, RCW 59.18.710 and RCW 35.21.830. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

Good to know

The cap was enacted by 2025 c 209 (HB 1217) and took effect immediately on May 7, 2025.

What this means in practice

Even where there is no rent control, a landlord usually cannot raise the rent during a fixed-term lease unless the lease allows it. Increases normally take effect at renewal or after written notice for a month-to-month tenancy, and notice periods are set by state law.

Rent caps and rent stabilization rules commonly have exemptions, such as buildings built in recent years, owner-occupied duplexes, or units owned by individuals rather than companies. A unit can sit in a covered city and still be exempt, so read the coverage section of the law closely.

Local rent control ordinances change through ballot measures and council votes more often than state law does. If you rent or own property in a city that regulates rent, check the city or county housing department for the current allowable increase and any registration requirements.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.