No, a Washington landlord cannot raise rent without notice. State law requires landlords to provide tenants with advance written notice before increasing rent. The specific notice period depends on the type of tenancy, the timing of the increase, and whether new state or local regulations apply.
Statewide Notice Requirements (2025 Update)
Under House Bill 1217 (effective May 7, 2025):
Fixed-term leases ending August 5, 2025, or later: Landlords must provide 90 days’ notice before increasing rent.
Fixed-term leases ending July 6, 2025, through August 4, 2025: Landlords may provide 60 days’ notice before increasing rent.
Month-to-month tenancies: The new law aligns with the updated notice periods for fixed-term leases, so 90 days’ notice is required for leases ending after August 5, 2025. However, for the transition period, the 60-day notice rule may apply in some cases, but the trend is toward longer notice periods.
Written notice required: All rent increases must be communicated in writing, following the format specified in the law.
Rent Increase Caps:
Annual rent increases are capped at 7% plus inflation, or 10%, whichever is less, for most residential tenancies. This cap does not apply to new construction (for 12 years), public housing authorities, low-income developments, or owner-occupied duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes.
Rent increases are prohibited during the first 12 months of a tenancy.
Local Ordinances (e.g., Seattle)
Seattle: Landlords must give 180 days’ notice before increasing rent for most tenants, and no rent increases are allowed in the first twelve months of tenancy.
Other cities: Some cities may have additional requirements, but statewide law sets the minimum standard.
Summary Table
| Tenancy Type / Timing | Notice Required (2025) | Rent Increase Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed-term lease (ends Aug 5+ 2025) | 90 days | 7% + CPI or 10%, whichever less |
| Fixed-term lease (ends Jul 6–Aug 4 2025) | 60 days (transitional) | 7% + CPI or 10%, whichever less |
| Month-to-month (new law, Aug 5+ 2025) | 90 days (trend) | 7% + CPI or 10%, whichever less |
| Seattle (most tenants) | 180 days | 7% + CPI or 10%, whichever less |
Key Takeaways
Rent increases without notice are illegal in Washington.
Written notice is always required, and the length of notice depends on the lease type and local law.
Rent cannot be increased during the first year of tenancy for most leases.
Landlords must comply with both state and local notice and cap requirements.
If a landlord attempts to raise rent without proper notice or above the legal cap, tenants have the right to challenge the increase and may be entitled to remedies under state law.
Sources:
- https://www.opb.org/article/2025/05/07/washington-rent-cap-signed-into-law/
- https://tenantsunion.org/rights/rule-changes-rent-increases
- https://www.goodcover.com/blog/washington-state-rent-increase-laws/
- https://www.wrents.com/washington-rent-increase-law