Legislative Update: EHB 1217 – New Landlord Compliance Requirements in Washington State
Overview
Effective May 7, 2025, Engrossed House Bill (EHB 1217) introduces significant changes to the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RLTA) in Washington State. Signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson, this legislation aims to increase housing stability for tenants and imposes new compliance responsibilities on landlords.
Key Changes for Property Owners
1. Rent Increase Limits
- After the first 12 months of tenancy, rent increases are capped at the lesser of:
- 7% plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI), or
- 10% annually
2. Stricter Notice Requirements
- All rent increase notices must:
- Use a specific statutory format
- Be formally served (see next section)
- Non-compliant notices may be considered invalid
3. New Tenant Lease Termination Rights
- If a rent increase is deemed unlawful:
- Tenants may request a correction
- If not resolved, tenants may terminate their lease with 20 days’ written notice
- No penalties or lease-break fees will apply
View the full bill and legislative summary – Washington State Legislature: EHB 1217
Formal Notice Service Requirements (New Under EHB 1217)
Under the new law, the delivery process for rent increase notices now mirrors that of eviction notices. This means:
To be considered valid, a rent increase notice must be:
- Personally delivered to the tenant,
OR - Conspicuously posted on the premises (e.g., front door)
AND - Mailed via certified mail to each adult tenant named on the lease
This is a more rigorous and labor-intensive process than the previous method of emailing lease renewal offers first.
Administrative Fee for Formal Notice Delivery
Due to the legal requirements and additional time and labor involved in this process, a $95 administrative fee per notice will now apply. This fee covers:
- In-person service or posting at the rental property
- Certified mailing to all adult tenants
- Documentation and compliance handling
The Owner Benefit Package (OBP)
To help minimize the impact of these new regulations and provide continued value, we offer the Owner Benefit Package (OBP).
All package tiers include:
✅ Two officially served notices per year – a $190 annual value
✅ Protection against tenant defaults, damages, and legal risks
✅ Reduced costs for maintenance and administrative services
✅ Strategic support to maintain and grow your investment value
Tier Pricing:
- Silver – $39/month
- Gold – $79/month
- Platinum – $139/month
Learn more about the Owner Benefit Package
Have Questions?
We are committed to helping you navigate these changes with clarity and care. If you need additional support or have questions about how EHB 1217 affects your property, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.
