Skip to content

On May 7, 2025, Washington became the third U.S. state to enact statewide rent control – joining California and Oregon – with the passage of House Bill 1217. The law caps annual rent increases on most residential properties and includes special provisions for manufactured housing, among other regulations. 

Proponents argue the measure offers needed tenant protections amid rising housing costs, while critics—including many economists—warn that rent control can discourage new housing development, reduce overall rental supply, and ultimately harm affordability in the long run. This summary outlines the core provisions of the law and the policy mechanisms now in effect.

Washington State Rent Stabilization Law (HB 1217) – Summary

Rent Increase Limits

• General Cap: Annual rent increases are limited to the lesser of 7% plus inflation or 10%, applicable to most rental units.

• Manufactured/Mobile Homes: Rent increases capped at 5% annually, with no expiration date.

• Duration: The general cap is in effect for 15 years, until 2040.

Exemptions

• New Construction: Buildings are exempt for the first 12 years after completion.

• Owner-Occupied Small Units: Duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes where the owner resides in one unit are exempt.

• Public and Nonprofit Housing: Units owned by public housing authorities or nonprofits are exempt.

Additional Provisions

• Initial Rent Freeze: No rent increases allowed during the first 12 months of tenancy.

• Notice Requirement: Landlords must provide 90 days’ notice for any rent increase, up from the previous 60 days. Local ordinances which require more than 90 days are not impacted by this policy.

• Lease Termination Rights: Tenants can terminate their lease with 20 days’ notice if an unlawful rent increase occurs and the landlord does not correct it.

• Enforcement: Tenants and the Attorney General can enforce the law. Violations may result in penalties up to $7,500 per instance.

For the full bill text: House Bill 1217 (PDF)

Scroll To Top