Washington at a glance
A legal cap2027 limit
10.0%
2026 limit
9.683%
The most a rent can rise. This is a legal cap on how much rent can go up. The figure shown is the one set for that year. Exemptions, where the law has them, are listed below.
- Written notice of a rent increase
- 90 days before the new rent starts
- How often
- Once every 12 months
- First increase
- 12 months after the tenancy starts
- To raise rent by more than the cap
- No above-cap application exists; only exempt buildings are outside the cap
Worked example: a $1,500 apartment, new rent starting in 2027
| Rent today | $1,500.00 a month |
| Washington's 2027 cap | 10.0% |
| Largest increase allowed | $150.00 a month |
The tenant must get written notice of 90 days before the new rent starts, and the last increase must be at least 12 months old.
What to watch for in Washington
- The cap comes from a 2025 law (HB 1217): no increase "during the first 12 months after the tenancy begins", and none in any 12-month period "in an amount greater than seven percent plus the consumer price index, or 10 percent, whichever is less". The state publishes each year's figure in early July: 9.683% for 2026 and 10% for 2027. Manufactured-home lot rent has its own 5% limit (RCW 59.20.370).
- Exempt from the cap (RCW 59.18.710): buildings whose first certificate of occupancy is 12 or fewer years old; public housing authority and regulated non-profit units; and owner-occupied single-family homes renting up to two units and owner-occupied duplexes to fourplexes, unless the owner is a corporation, REIT or LLC with a corporate member. The cap sections expire July 1, 2040.
- "A landlord shall provide a minimum of 90 days' prior written notice of an increase in the amount of rent to each affected tenant". An increase cannot take effect before a fixed term ends. Shorter periods apply to income-based subsidized tenancies (30 days) and to some leases made before May 7, 2025 (60 days). Cities and counties may not control rents.
Where these rules come from
Each link was checked on Nov 13, 2026.
- RCW 59.18.700, Prohibition on certain rent increases
app.leg.wa.gov
- RCW 59.18.710, Exemptions
app.leg.wa.gov
- RCW 59.18.140, Notice of increase in rent
app.leg.wa.gov
- RCW 59.20.370, Manufactured-home lot rent increases
app.leg.wa.gov
- RCW 35.21.830, Rent control preempted (cities)
app.leg.wa.gov
- RCW 36.01.130, Rent control preempted (counties)
app.leg.wa.gov
- Washington Commerce: 2026 rent cap announcement
commerce.wa.gov
- Washington Commerce: HB 1217 Landlord Resource Center
commerce.wa.gov
See what 10.0% does to a building's numbers
PropertyCast projects a building's income year by year from one worksheet, so you can try a rent increase on your actual deal.
Start FreeCommon questions
How much can a landlord raise rent in Washington in 2027?+
Up to 10.0%. The 2026 limit is 9.683%. Check the official sources listed on this page for any exemptions.
How much notice does a rent increase need in Washington?+
At least 90 days, in writing.
Can a landlord raise the rent by more than the cap?+
This is what the rules say: No above-cap application exists; only exempt buildings are outside the cap.
More places
This page is a reference, not legal advice. Rules change, and exemptions may apply. Check the official sources above, or ask a lawyer, before acting on a rent increase.