Washington rent increase calculator
Washington adopted a statewide rent cap in 2025. House Bill 1217 limits increases to the lesser of 10% or 7% plus inflation, with the Department of Commerce publishing the figure each July. The 2026 cap is 9.683%; the 2027 cap is 10%. Manufactured-home lot rents are capped at 5%.
Published figures
| Period | Type | Allowable increase |
|---|---|---|
| Calendar 2026 | Residential unit | 9.683% |
| Calendar 2027 | Residential unit | 10% |
| 2026 and 2027 | Manufactured-home lot | 5% |
Source: Washington State Department of Commerce. Mid-July each year, for the following calendar year.
Maximum new rent at common rents
Using the current 9.683% figure.
| Current rent | Maximum increase | Maximum new rent |
|---|---|---|
| $1,200.00 | $116.20 | $1,316.20 |
| $1,800.00 | $174.29 | $1,974.29 |
| $2,500.00 | $242.08 | $2,742.08 |
| $3,500.00 | $338.91 | $3,838.90 |
How the Washington cap works
No increase is allowed in the first year of a tenancy, and every increase needs 90 days’ written notice. Buildings less than 12 years old are exempt, as are small owner-occupied buildings. Washington has no statutory cap on late fees, so this is the only statewide dollar limit tenants can point to.
Exemptions
- Buildings with a certificate of occupancy issued within the last 12 years.
- Owner-occupied duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes, and single-family homes where the owner shares the dwelling.
- Public housing and subsidised housing with income-based rent.
- No increase is allowed in the first 12 months of a tenancy.
90 days’ written notice for any rent increase (HB 1217).
Related Washington rules
- Notice to end a month-to-month tenancy: Landlord may not end a month-to-month or periodic tenancy without one of the causes listed in RCW 59.18.650; notice depends on the cause: 90 days for owner or family move-in or sale of a single-family home, 120 days for demolition, substantial rehab or change of use (RCW 59.18.200(2)(c)), 60 days for another legitimate business reason, and 60 days to decline renewal at the end of an initial 6-12 month lease. Tenant: at least 20 days before the end of the rental period (RCW 59.18.200).
- Late fees: No statutory cap on late fees, but no late fee may be charged for rent paid within five days after the due date; if rent is more than five days late, fees may run from the first day after the due date. In an eviction, a tenant may reinstate the tenancy by paying rent plus late fees of no more than $75 total (RCW 59.18.410).
- Security deposit: No statutory limit; returned Full and specific statement of deductions (with estimates or invoices) and any refund within 30 days after termination of the rental agreement and vacation of the premises.
Full page: Washington landlord and tenant rules.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum rent increase in Washington for 2026?
9.683% for residential units and 5% for manufactured-home lots. For 2027 the residential cap is 10%.
Does the Washington rent cap apply to new buildings?
No. Buildings with a certificate of occupancy issued in the last 12 years are exempt.
How much notice is required?
90 days’ written notice for any increase, and none is allowed during the first 12 months of the tenancy.