This bill amends the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act and the Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act to enhance tenant protections regarding rent increases. Key provisions include a requirement for landlords to provide a minimum of 90 days' written notice for rent increases, with a reduced notice period of 30 days for subsidized tenancies. For tenants with leases entered into or renewed before May 7, 2025, landlords must give at least 60 days' notice if less than 90 days remain on the lease. The bill also specifies acceptable methods for serving these notices and mandates that they include information about tenant rights. Additionally, it prohibits rent increases during the first 12 months of tenancy and caps annual increases at a maximum of seven percent plus the consumer price index.

In the context of manufactured/mobile home communities, the bill allows eligible organizations that purchase these communities to increase rents beyond standard limits, provided such increases are approved by a majority of homeowners. It also permits a one-time rent increase during the first renewal of a rental agreement, contingent on prior notice to tenants. The bill clarifies that landlords must justify any rent increases above standard limits and establishes a process for tenants to challenge unauthorized increases, allowing them to terminate their agreements without penalties. Furthermore, it empowers tenants and the attorney general to pursue legal action against landlords for violations, including the potential for damages and attorney fees, and prohibits landlords from reporting tenants to screening services for unpaid rent resulting from unlawful increases.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 59.18.140, 59.18.720, 59.18.700, 59.20.390, 59.20.370