Washington Adopts Statewide Rent Control: What Landlords Should Know

On May 7, 2025, Washington became the third state to enact statewide rent control, joining Oregon and California. House Bill 1217, effective immediately, limits annual rent increases, extends notice requirements, and mandates parity pricing across lease types. Most provisions sunset in 2040, but some-like mobile home rent caps-are permanent.

Key Takeaways

• Rent Caps and Notice Rules: Annual rent increases are capped (generally at 7% plus CPI or 10%), and landlords must now give 90 days' notice before raising rent.
• Lease Parity Required: Landlords can't charge more than a 5% difference in rent based on lease type (month-to-month vs. fixed term).
• Limited Exemptions: New construction (within 12 years), owner-occupied small properties, and certain affordable housing projects may qualify for exemptions-but only with proper documentation.

Why it matters: These changes create new legal obligations for landlords and could impact leasing strategies, investment returns, and property values.

Read the full alert for detailed guidance on compliance and risk management.