Lakewood, WA Rent Increase Laws 2026
Lakewood caps rent increases at 7%. Landlords must give 60 days' notice before raising rent. Wrong notice = void increase.
In Washington, rent increases are capped at 7% per year for covered units. Landlords must provide 60-day written notice before any increase takes effect. An increase without proper notice is void.
This applies to properties in Lakewood, WA. Check all requirements for your property →
Key Takeaways — Lakewood Rent Increase Laws
- Rent cap: 7% annual maximum
- Notice required: 60 days before increase
- Wrong notice: Entire increase is void
Rent Increase Laws in Lakewood
Lakewood landlords must follow Washington state law on rent increase laws. Understanding the specific rules, deadlines, and penalties can prevent costly violations.
7%
annual rent cap
60 days
notice required
$137/yr
max at median rent
Penalty Warning
Violate Washington rent increase laws rules in Lakewood and you could face a void increase and owe refunds. At Lakewood's median rent of $1,971/month, even a single violation adds up fast.
Lakewood Rental Market Context
Lakewood is the 21st-largest city in Washington (population 62,303). With a median 2-bedroom rent of $1,971/month, it falls in the premium range for Washington rental costs — 43% above the state median of $1,374/month.
How Lakewood Compares in Pierce County
Lakewood ranks #2 of 17 cities in Pierce County by population. Because rent increase laws rules are often tied to rent amounts, costs vary across the county.
| City | Population | Median Rent | Increase Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma | 222,906 | $1,971/mo | 7% cap |
| Lakewood | 62,303 | $1,971/mo | 7% cap |
| Puyallup | 42,179 | $1,971/mo | 7% cap |
| University Place | 35,049 | $1,971/mo | 7% cap |
| Bonney Lake | 22,835 | $1,971/mo | 7% cap |
| Gig Harbor | 12,604 | $1,971/mo | 7% cap |
| Sumner | 10,853 | $1,971/mo | 7% cap |
| DuPont | 9,784 | $1,971/mo | 7% cap |
| Orting | 8,955 | $1,971/mo | 7% cap |
| Milton | 8,693 | $1,971/mo | 7% cap |
| Steilacoom | 6,610 | $1,971/mo | 7% cap |
| Buckley | 5,603 | $1,971/mo | 7% cap |
| Eatonville | 2,804 | $1,971/mo | 7% cap |
| Roy | 796 | $1,971/mo | 7% cap |
| Carbonado | 737 | $1,971/mo | 7% cap |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Pierce County, Washington. All cities follow Washington state law unless a local ordinance applies.
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Maximum Rent Increase by Unit Size in Lakewood
Annual rent increase cap of 7% applied to Lakewood rents:
| Unit Size | Median Rent | Max Annual Increase | New Max Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,428/mo | $99/yr | $1,527/mo |
| 1-Bedroom | $1,605/mo | $112/yr | $1,717/mo |
| 2-Bedroom | $1,971/mo | $137/yr | $2,108/mo |
| 3-Bedroom | $2,733/mo | $191/yr | $2,924/mo |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Pierce County.
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More Lakewood Landlord Laws
Rent Increase Laws in Nearby Cities
Own properties in multiple cities? Rules may differ locally:
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Not ready to start? Get the free Rent Increase Laws checklist for Washington landlords.
Download Free ChecklistReviewed by Rachid Abadli
Founder & CEO, LeaseBase · Sacramento landlord · Self-managing since 2019
LeaseBase is a property management platform — not a law firm. Consult an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.
