Washington State real estate law saw active enforcement of its residential rent increase cap in recent months, alongside a new statewide rule limiting private marketing of listings that took effect in June 2026.
Seattle, Wash. — October 16, 2026
Washington’s rent cap law, enacted in 2025, limits annual increases on covered residential units to 7 percent plus inflation or 10 percent, whichever is lower. For 2026, the cap stands at 9.683 percent. The state attorney general’s office has settled roughly four dozen alleged violations, imposing fines totaling over $800,000 while providing rent relief to more than 1,000 households. No civil penalties have been collected yet, but settlements often require rescinding unlawful increases or issuing refunds.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 rent cap is 9.683 percent for most covered units, with a 5 percent limit for manufactured homes.
- Attorney General Nick Brown reported settlements aiding over 1,000 households through rent relief.
- A new law effective June 11, 2026, requires brokers to market residential listings publicly unless a health or safety exception applies.
- HB 2664, also effective June 11, 2026, removed the certified mail requirement for certain eviction notices under RCW 59.12.040.
What changed in Washington’s rent cap law?
The cap applies to traditional rental units and manufactured homes where residents own the home but lease the land. New construction receives a 12-year exemption, as do public housing, low-income developments, and owner-occupied duplexes through fourplexes. No increase is allowed in the first year of any tenancy. The Department of Commerce calculates the annual figure using the Seattle-area consumer price index.
Who is affected by the rent cap enforcement?
Renters in covered units benefit from predictability, with the attorney general pursuing cases involving excessive hikes or insufficient notice. Landlords facing allegations have often agreed to rescind increases and pay attorney fees of $2,000 per case in settlements. Some RV parks treated as manufactured home communities received large suspended fines, including nearly $400,000 against one Yakima County park and $217,500 against a Spokane County park.
What does the new listing law mean for homeowners, buyers, sellers, or renters?
SB 6091, now Chapter 57, Laws of 2026, prohibits brokers from marketing residential real estate solely to a limited or exclusive group of buyers or brokers unless the property is also marketed concurrently to the general public and all other brokers. An exception exists if restricted marketing is reasonably necessary to protect health or safety. The law took effect June 11, 2026, and applies statewide, though Northwest MLS rules already aligned with broad marketing in its area.
When does the eviction notice change take effect?
HB 2664, Chapter 144, Laws of 2026, effective June 11, 2026, amended RCW 59.12.040 to remove the certified mail requirement for unlawful detainer and similar notices. Service by mail now uses regular mail posted from within Washington state, with service deemed complete upon deposit and five additional days allowed before filing an action. Personal delivery, leaving a copy with a suitable person, or posting remain options, and proof of service still requires an affidavit.
FAQ
How is the 2026 rent cap calculated? The cap equals 7 percent plus the June-to-June change in the Seattle-area CPI-U or 10 percent, whichever is lower. For 2026 it is 9.683 percent.
Does the rent cap apply to all properties? No. Exemptions cover new construction for 12 years, public housing, low-income developments, and certain small owner-occupied buildings.
What must brokers do under the new listing law? They must market listed residential properties to the general public and all brokers if marketing to any limited group, unless a health or safety exception applies.
Can landlords still use certified mail for notices? Yes, but it is no longer required. Regular mail from within Washington suffices, with proper documentation of deposit date and address.
Who enforces the rent cap? The Washington State Attorney General’s office handles complaints and settlements.
Practical Takeaway
Homeowners, buyers, sellers, and renters in Washington State should review current lease terms for compliance with the rent cap, confirm listing strategies with agents regarding public marketing requirements, and ensure proper service records for any notices. Check the Washington State Department of Commerce website for the latest rent cap figure and the Attorney General’s office for enforcement updates.
Sources
How rent hike cap has been enforced – Camas-Washougal Post-Record
Washington listing law takes effect, limits private marketing – HousingWire