Washington has a new rent control law that went into effect immediately.
The law caps rent increases at the lesser of 7% plus inflation or 10%.
Rent increases must be in a form with mandated language and must give the tenant at least 90 days’ notice. The notice must be served in accordance with RCW 59.12.040, which is the same statute defining how pay or vacate and similar notices are served. This statute has also been changed recently.
If a landlord serves a notice that increases the rent beyond the rent cap, the tenant must provide the landlord with an opportunity to cure the rent increase notice. The tenant may sue the landlord for any amounts paid over the limit, plus three months’ rent, and attorney fees and costs.
Even if the tenant fails to provide a cure opportunity, the Attorney General may bring an action against the landlord for the same damages.
There are exemptions for 12 years for new construction, for public housing and nonprofits, for landlords who share their own housing with the tenant, and a few other scenarios.
This is a simplified overview, not an exhaustive explanation of the new rent control law. For advice about your circumstances, it is always best to consult with an attorney.
