Does Seattle have rent control?

Seattle does not have its own rent control ordinance, but Washington state rent control (cap of 7%) applies to most residential properties.

What is the rent increase cap in Seattle?

The cap is 7% per year. At median rent, that's about $175/yr.

Are any properties exempt from Seattle rent control?

Common exemptions include single-family homes, new construction (typically 15 years), owner-occupied duplexes, and subsidized housing.

Seattle, WA Rent Control 2026

Seattle has no local rent control, but state rent control applies (7% cap). Know the rules before your next rent increase.

Seattle does not have its own rent control ordinance, but Washington state rent control applies. The statewide cap is 7% + CPI (max 10%). Exceeding the state cap voids the increase.

Key Takeaways — Seattle Rent Control

Local rent control: No local ordinance
State rent cap: 7%
Violation risk: Excess increases are void and tenants can recover overpayments

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Rent Control in Seattle

Seattle landlords must follow Washington state law on rent control. Understanding the specific rules, deadlines, and penalties can prevent costly violations.

annual rent cap

$2,501

median 2BR rent

Seattle-Specific Rules

Seattle has local regulations that go beyond Washington state law:

Washington State prohibits local rent control by state preemption (RCW 35.21.830). Seattle does not have rent control, though the City Council has repeatedly considered it. Landlords must provide 60 days' written notice before any rent increase (increased from 30 days by Seattle ordinance).

Penalty Warning

Violate Washington rent control rules in Seattle and you could owe back-rent to tenants. At Seattle's median rent of $2,501/month, even a single violation adds up fast.

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More Seattle Landlord Laws

Security Deposit Laws → Eviction Process & Notice Requirements → Rent Increase Laws → Landlord Entry & Access Rules → Maintenance & Habitability Standards → Late Fee Limits → Lease Termination & Renewal → Fair Housing Protections → Tenant Screening Rules → Required Landlord Disclosures → Property Registration Requirements →

Rent Control in Nearby Cities

Own properties in multiple cities? Rules may differ locally:

Medina, WA
Pop. 2,841 Bellevue, WA
Pop. 151,574 Mercer Island, WA
Pop. 24,742 Kirkland, WA
Pop. 91,194 Bainbridge Island, WA
Pop. 24,254

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How we researched this page: Rent control rules are based on Washington state statutes. Rent data comes from HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for King County. Last updated: August 2026.

Reviewed 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.