What the rules require of a landlord in Seattle, drawn straight from the rule records this site computes with. Every line links to the source it came from.
This is an informational tool, not legal advice, and we are not your lawyer. Double-check deadlines with a licensed Washington attorney before acting on them.
Seattle requires 180 days of written notice before a rent increase takes effect, whatever the size of the increase.
Tenancies subsidized through the unit itself get a shorter period of 30 days. A tenant's portable voucher does not count.
The increase has to start at the beginning of a rental period.
The notice must carry this exact text: "If you need help understanding this notice or information about your renter rights, call the Renting in Seattle Helpline at (206) 684-5700 or visit the web site at www.seattle.gov/rentinginseattle."
Checked against the source on July 26, 2026.
An increase of 10% or more triggers EDRA, counted cumulatively across any rolling 12 months.
An income-eligible tenant household that moves out because of the increase can claim 3 months of housing cost.
The amount is divided between households sharing the unit.
Checked against the source on July 26, 2026.
Seattle caps total move-in charges (security deposit and nonrefundable fees) at 1 month's rent.
Nonrefundable fees are capped separately at 10% of the first month's rent.
A pet deposit may not exceed 25% of the first month's rent.
Installment rights: 6 equal monthly installments for leases of 6 months or more; 4 for leases of 30 days to 6 months; 2 for month-to-month; pet deposits in 3. No extra fee or interest for choosing installments.
Checked against the source on July 26, 2026.
Seattle caps a residential late fee at $10 per month.
No fee may be charged for preparing or delivering a notice.
Checked against the source on July 26, 2026.
Every rental property must be registered with the city.
Registration renews every 2 years from the date you register.
Checked against the source on July 26, 2026.
A renewal offer is due between 90 and 60 days before the lease expires.
Plan the decision about 180 days out, since a rent change at renewal needs its own notice period.
Checked against the source on July 26, 2026.
Where a local rule is stricter, the local one governs. These apply wherever the property is.
The statewide cap on a rent increase is 9.683% for 2026. The cap that governs an increase is the one in force on its effective date.
No increase at all is allowed during a tenant's first 12 months.
Checked against the source on July 26, 2026.
You have 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant moves out to deliver a full and specific written statement and refund the rest of the deposit.
Personal delivery or first-class mail to the tenant's last known address both count.
Checked against the source on July 26, 2026.
Washington requires 90 days of written notice before a rent increase takes effect, whatever the size of the increase.
Tenancies subsidized through the unit itself get a shorter period of 30 days. A tenant's portable voucher does not count.
The increase has to start at the beginning of a rental period.
Checked against the source on July 26, 2026.
This page says what the rules require. The free calculators apply them to one increase, and an account tracks every unit you own and emails you before each deadline.
