Washington State Just Changed the Rules on Rent Increases: What Landlords Need to Know in 2025

As a landlord and real estate broker here in Washington, I know how fast the rules can change—and how important it is to stay on top of them. If you own rental property in Washington State, listen up: new updates to the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act are already in effect as of May 7, 2025, and they change how much you can raise rent—and how you’re required to notify tenants.

These new laws are significant. Whether you manage a portfolio of rentals or just one investment property, here’s what you need to know to stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.

1. Rent Increases Are Now Capped

Starting now, rent increases are limited to the lesser of:

• 10%, or

• 7% + the Consumer Price Index (CPI)

The CPI is set by the Washington State Department of Commerce and will be published annually on June 1. Until that figure is released, the safe assumption is that the max allowable rent increase will fall between 7% and 10%.

What This Means for You

Plan conservatively. If you’re drafting rent increase letters now, base it on a 7% hike until we get that CPI number in June.

2. You Must Use a State-Mandated Rent Increase Notice Form

This is non-negotiable: all rent increases must now be communicated using the specific notice form required by House Bill 1217.

If you use a different format—or forget to use the official one—your rent increase becomes invalid. That means restarting the process and resetting the 90-day clock.

3. 90 Days' Notice Is the New Minimum

Forget the old 60-day rule. Under the new law, landlords must give tenants at least 90 days' notice before increasing rent. In some cities or counties, that window could be even longer, so always double-check local requirements.

4. New Rules for How You Deliver Rent Increase Notices

You must now deliver rent increase notices the same way you’d deliver a notice to pay or vacate:

• First, try to hand-deliver the notice to the tenant in person.

• If they’re not home, you can:

  • Give it to someone of “suitable age” who answers the door, or

  • Post it on the front door AND mail a copy to the tenant.

Until July 26, 2025, standard U.S. mail is acceptable. After that date, the notice must be sent via certified mail.

Best Practice Tip

Document everything: date, time, who accepted the notice (or that it was posted), and a copy of the mailed envelope. This documentation will protect you if a dispute arises.

Why This Matters

These changes are more than legal fine print—they’re enforceable, and mistakes can be costly. As both a managing broker and a rental property owner, I recommend taking time now to:

• Update your notice templates

• Review your rent increase schedule

• Train your team or property manager on the new procedures

If you’re unsure how these updates affect your portfolio, or you manage properties on behalf of others, I’m happy to walk you through it.

Brian Side
Managing Broker | Investor | Founder of Upside Properties
Helping clients and landlords navigate the evolving Washington real estate landscape