Month: August 2025

NEW SECTION. Sec. 101. A new section is added to chapter 59.18
RCW to read as follows:

(1) Except as authorized by an exemption under section 102 of

this act, a landlord may not increase the rent and fees combined for

 any type of tenancy, including short-term rentals and vacation

 rentals, regardless of whether the tenancy is month-to-month or for a
term greater or lesser than month-to-month:

8 (a) During the first 12 months after the tenancy begins; and

9 (b) During any 12-month period, in an amount greater than seven
percent.

11 (2) If a landlord increases the rent and fees combined above the

12 amount allowed in subsection (1) of this section as authorized by an

13 exemption under section 102 of this act, the landlord must include

14 facts supporting any claimed exemptions in the written notice of the

15 rent increase. Notice must comply with this section, section 103 of

16 this act, RCW 59.18.140, and be served in accordance with RCW
59.12.040.17

18 (3) If a landlord increases rent and fees combined above the

19 amount allowed in subsection (1) of this section and are not

20 authorized by an exemption under section 102 of this act, the tenant
21 may, in addition to any other remedies or relief available under this

22 chapter or other law, terminate the rental agreement at any time

23 prior to the effective date of the increase by providing the landlord

24 with written notice at least 20 days before terminating the rental

25 agreement. If a tenant terminates a rental agreement under this

26 subsection, the tenant only owes pro rata rent through the date upon

27 which the tenant vacates the dwelling unit. A landlord may not charge

28 a tenant any fines or fees for terminating a rental agreement underthis subsection.

30 (4) A landlord may not charge a higher rent or fees or include

31 terms of payment or other material conditions in a rental agreement

32 that are more burdensome to a tenant for a month-to-month rental

33 agreement than for a rental agreement where the term is greater than
month-to-month, or vice versa.

35 (5) A landlord who engages in practices in violation of this

36 section, section 102 of this act, section 103 of this act, RCW
37 59.18.140, 59.18.170, 59.18.200, 59.18.270, or 59.18.650 is liable
for:

39 (a) Damages in the amount of any excess rent, fees, or other
costs paid by the tenant;

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