How Rent Control Works in Seattle

Rent control laws in Seattle, Washington are an important for all tenants to fully understand. Fortunately, the laws are uncomplicated. Prior to leasing an apartment in Seattle, research, understand and ask questions about this subject.

Rent Control Defined

Rent control is a legal prohibition on the landlord from raising rents, meaning that there is a price ceiling for rent on a specific apartment. Typically, rent control only applies to residential properties. If the state legislature has provided the county with authority, the specific guidelines for rent control are set by the county governing authorities. Rent control is not available in every state.

Rent Control in Seattle

There is no rent control throughout Washington State, and so there is no rent control in Seattle. Therefore, in a month-to-month lease, a Seattle landlord can increase the amount of rent essentially by any amount at any time.

Other Washington Rent Laws

Although there is no rent control in the State of Washington, the State has enacted several laws intended to protect tenant’s rights. In addition to requiring a landlord to maintain the premises according to local legal codes, repair the apartment within a reasonable time of complaint and supply water to tenants, Washington also requires a landlord to provide written disclosure of fire safety and protection information. Additionally, all nonrefundable deposits must be identified as nonrefundable in writing and a landlord may not terminate utilities for any reason including nonpayment of bills or rent except for a reasonable time to make necessary repairs. A landlord may not increase the rent for a residential property until the expiration of the initial lease term and must provide thirty days notice of any increase before the end of the rental period.

Seattle Housing Assistance

The City of Seattle provides housing assistance to more than 26,000 residents through six programs. Most notably, the Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) manages low income public housing, partner housing and other affordable housing for occupancy by Seattle residents. Partner housing is housing managed by independent agencies and not the SHA. To qualify for these residences, residents must have anywhere between 80 to 30 percent of the region’s median income and pass background and immigration checks. Applicants accepted into the program pay anywhere between thirty to forty percent of their income towards rent and other living expenses. The City also offers senior housing.

Additionally, the City of Seattle has enacted the Seattle Housing Levy to assist low-income, high-need and high-risk residents. Through this program, the City has funded approximately 10,000 affordable apartments for formerly homeless individuals, seniors and low to moderate-wage workers.

Seattle also offers Emergency Rent Assistance to its residents. This program assists households with an income of less fifty percent of the region’s median income who are experiencing a one-time crisis that may result in eviction or other loss of housing. An eligible household receives one benefit award for rent assistance within a twelve month period. The program will also pay reasonable moving costs for a household’s transfer into affordable housing. Approximately 400 homes receive this service each year.

Although rent control is prohibited in Washington, there are numerous laws and assistance programs designed to protect tenant’s rights and assist Seattle residents with rent payments. With the passage of the Seattle Housing Levy, the number of available, subsided units and the amount of offered funds is anticipated to increase. Prior to signing a lease on any apartment, research these available options to see if any are right for you.