Housing Cost Increases

See also: Deposit ReturnsMove-in Charges

What Is It?

A white man worried about housing costs.Housing costs include rent and any other periodic or monthly fees such as storage, parking, or utilities, paid to the landlord by a tenant. What counts as rent is defined by RCW 59.18.030(29).  

What It Isn't

Housing cost increase rules are not rent control. Rent control is prohibited in the State of Washington.

Rules to Follow

  • Property owners must give tenants a written notice 180 days prior to raising periodic or monthly housing cost
  • The property owner cannot increase periodic or monthly housing costs when SDCI has determined the housing unit does not comply with the Rental Registration and Inspections Ordinance Checklist
  • The Economic Displacement Relocation Assistance Ordinance (EDRA) applies to any housing cost increase totaling 10% or more within the same 12-month period  
  • Property owners must attach an EDRA notice that informs tenants about the program 

Read the Code

Construction and Inspections

Nathan Torgelson, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 2000, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 34019, Seattle, WA, 98124-4019
Phone: (206) 684-8600
Phone Alt: Violation Complaint Line: (206) 615-0808
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SDCI issues land use, construction, and trade permits, conducts construction and housing-related inspections, ensures compliance with our codes, and regulates rental rules. SDCI is committed to an antiracist workplace and to addressing racism through our work in the community.