Washington rent increase calculator
7% plus inflation, never more than 10% in 12 months. 2026: 9.683%. 2027: 10%.
Not legal advice. This calculator applies the statewide formula only. Many cities have stricter rent control, and some units are exempt. Check the exemptions and local rules below and the official sources before you send a notice.
Washington: HB 1217 (RCW 59.18.700–.720)
| Period | Max increase | Source |
|---|---|---|
| May 7, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025 | 10% | WA Commerce |
| Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026 | 9.683% | WA Commerce |
| Jan 1, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027 | 10% | WA Commerce |
The rule
- Rent may rise by at most 7% plus the CPI, or 10%, whichever is less, in any 12 months (RCW 59.18.700(1)(a)(ii)).
- CPI = the June 12-month percent change in the CPI-U for the Seattle area (BLS series CUURS49DSA0). The Department of Commerce publishes the figure in July for the following calendar year.
- No increase during the first 12 months of a tenancy (RCW 59.18.700(1)(a)(i)).
- At least 90 days' written notice of any rent increase (RCW 59.18.140(3)(a)); 30 days for subsidized rents based on income.
- Manufactured/mobile home lots: at most 5% in any 12 months (RCW 59.20.370). In force since May 7, 2025; expires July 1, 2040.
Who is exempt
- Buildings whose first certificate of occupancy was issued 12 years or less before the notice (RCW 59.18.710).
- Public housing authorities, public development authorities, nonprofit rent-regulated housing and qualified low-income/LIHTC properties.
- Owner-occupied single-family homes (incl. ADUs), owner-occupied duplexes to fourplexes, and rooms where the tenant shares a kitchen or bathroom with the owner, unless the owner is a REIT, corporation or LLC with a corporate member.
Sources: RCW 59.18.700 · RCW 59.18.710 (exemptions) · WA Commerce: HB 1217 landlord resource center
States without a statewide cap
Only California, Oregon and Washington cap rent increases statewide for most market-rate housing. In other states, rent control is either banned by state law or set by individual cities (for example New York City rent stabilization, Washington D.C., or St. Paul, Minnesota). Check your city before assuming there is no limit.