Housing Cost Increases
See also: Deposit Returns, Move-in Charges
What Is It?
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.
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 Economic Displacement Relocation Assistance Ordinance EDRA notice that informs tenants about the program