Washington Lease Renewal and Rent Increase Notice

This document provides a complete Washington State lease renewal offer and rent increase notice compliant with the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18.140 and related sections).

IMPORTANT: Washington has no statewide rent control. Landlords may increase rent by any amount on month-to-month tenancies, subject only to proper notice timing. Local ordinances (particularly in Seattle) impose additional notice requirements for larger increases and just-cause protections.

Notice Timing Requirements (RCW 59.18.140)

• Standard month-to-month tenancy: Minimum 20 days' written notice before any rent increase or change in terms may take effect.
• Seattle: For rent increases greater than 10%, at least 180 days' written notice is required under SMC 7.24.030 (effective 2023).
• For fixed-term leases, renewal or rent change timing is governed by the lease terms. Provide renewal offer before current lease expires to avoid automatic conversion issues.
• The notice must state the new rent amount, the effective date, and inform the tenant of the right to terminate the tenancy.

Failure to provide timely and complete notice may render the increase ineffective for the period claimed., -

RENEWAL OFFER AND RENT INCREASE NOTICE

DATE OF NOTICE: [[Date of Notice]]

TO (TENANT): [[Tenant Name]]

PROPERTY ADDRESS: [[Property Address]]

FROM (LANDLORD / AUTHORIZED AGENT): [[Landlord or Manager Name]], [[Landlord Address for Notices]], -

CURRENT AND PROPOSED TERMS

Your current monthly rent is: $[[Current Rent]]

Your current lease term or tenancy period ends on: [[Current Lease End Date]]

PROPOSED NEW MONTHLY RENT: $[[New Rent]]

EFFECTIVE DATE OF CHANGE: [[Effective Date]]

This increase represents a change of $[[Rent Change Amount]] per month (or [[Percentage Increase]]%).

Other proposed changes to terms (if any): [[Description of Other Term Changes, or "None"]], -

YOUR OPTIONS

1. Accept the renewal / rent increase. If you wish to continue the tenancy on the new terms, no action is required beyond continuing to pay the new rent amount on and after the Effective Date. A new written lease or addendum may be offered or required.

2. Terminate the tenancy. You have the right to terminate your tenancy rather than accept the new rent or terms. To do so, provide written notice of termination in accordance with your lease or RCW 59.18.200 (generally 20 days for month-to-month). If you provide proper termination notice before the Effective Date, you will not be obligated to pay the increased rent.

3. Negotiate. Contact Landlord at the notice address or phone to discuss.

If you remain in possession after the Effective Date without providing termination notice, you will be deemed to have accepted the new rent and any other changed terms stated in this notice (subject to any just-cause or other legal protections that may apply in your jurisdiction)., -

SEATTLE-SPECIFIC DISCLOSURE (if property in Seattle)

If the Premises is located in the City of Seattle and this notice proposes a rent increase of more than 10% over the rent in effect 12 months prior, this notice is being provided at least 180 days before the Effective Date as required by SMC 7.24.030. Tenants in Seattle may have additional rights under the Just Cause Eviction Ordinance.

Applicable local rules: [[Note Seattle or other local ordinance applicability, or "No special local rent-increase notice beyond state law applies"]], -

PROOF OF SERVICE

I declare under penalty of perjury that on [[Service Date]] this notice was served on [[Tenant Name]] by:

• [ ] Personal delivery at [[Address or Location]]

• [ ] Substitute service to [[Name of Person]] (suitable age/discretion) at Premises + first-class mail on [[Mail Date]]

• [ ] Posting in conspicuous place on Premises on [[Post Date]] + first-class mail on [[Mail Date]]

Server: [[Server Name]] Signature: _______________________ Date: _______, -

ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE FOR LANDLORDS

• Deliver this notice in a manner that allows proof of delivery (certified mail, personal service, or posting+mail per RCW 59.12.040).
• For fixed-term leases ending soon, send renewal offer with sufficient lead time for tenant decision.
• Keep a copy of this notice and proof of service in your records.
• If tenant is on a fixed-term lease, do not unilaterally change rent mid-term unless lease permits.
• No statewide cap applies; however, document the basis for the increase if challenged under general good-faith or local rules.
• In cities with just-cause rules, a rent increase alone does not constitute grounds for eviction; follow applicable local procedures for any termination.

Signatures (Optional for Notice but Recommended)

LANDLORD / AGENT

Signature: ________________________________

Printed Name: [[Landlord or Agent Name]]

Date: ________________

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT (optional for tenant to sign)

I acknowledge receipt of this notice on ________________

Tenant Signature: ____________________________ [[Tenant Name]], -

*This is a sample template for Washington State. It is not legal advice. Rent increase and renewal notices are governed primarily by RCW 59.18.140. Seattle imposes 180-day notice for increases exceeding 10% (SMC 7.24.030). Verify current law and any applicable local ordinances as of 2026-06. Consult a qualified attorney licensed in Washington.*

Key References

• RCW 59.18.140, Landlord's right to increase rent or change terms; notice requirements
• RCW 59.18.200, Termination notice periods for periodic tenancies
• SMC 7.24.030, Seattle rent increase notice requirements
• RCW 59.12.040, Service of notices

Instructions for Use

1. Fill all [[Token]] fields with accurate current and proposed information.
2. Determine applicable notice period (20 days standard; 180 days in Seattle for >10% increases).
3. Serve with proof.
4. Retain records.
5. If tenant terminates, process move-out per lease and law.

Sample Formal Letter Format (Alternative Presentation)

LANDLORD LETTERHEAD

[[Landlord Name or Company]]
[[Landlord Address]]
[[Landlord Phone]] | [[Landlord Email]]

[[Date]]

[[Tenant Name]]
[[Property Address]]
[[City]], WA [[ZIP]]

RE: Lease Renewal Offer and Notice of Rent Increase

Dear [[Tenant Name]]:

This letter serves as formal notice of the proposed renewal of your tenancy and a change in your monthly rent.

Current monthly rent: $[[Current Rent]]
New monthly rent: $[[New Rent]]
Effective date: [[Effective Date]]

The new rent will be due on the same day of the month as your current rent. All other terms of your tenancy remain the same unless noted above.

You have the right to terminate your tenancy instead of accepting this increase. Please provide written notice of your intent to vacate in accordance with your lease or Washington law (typically 20 days for month-to-month).

If you have questions or wish to discuss, contact me at the number or email above.

Sincerely,

[[Landlord or Agent Name]], -

Tenant Rights Summary

Under Washington law you are entitled to:

1. Timely written notice of any rent increase or material change in terms.

2. The opportunity to terminate rather than accept the new terms.

3. Proper service of any notice (personal, substitute, or posting plus mail).

4. Protection against retaliatory or discriminatory actions for exercising legal rights.

5. In Seattle and other jurisdictions with rent-increase or just-cause rules, additional procedural protections.

If you believe this notice is defective (wrong timing, missing information, improper service), you may respond in writing and seek legal advice. Contact a tenant advocacy organization or attorney promptly.

Recordkeeping Recommendations for Landlords

• Send via method that generates proof (certified mail with return receipt, personal service with affidavit, or posting+mail with photos and mail receipt).

• Note the exact date the increase will first be due.

• If tenant disputes the notice period, retain all communication.

• For properties in Seattle, document the 180-day calculation for increases >10% (compare to rent 12 months prior).

• Update the written lease or use a rent-increase addendum signed by tenant where possible for clarity.

Common Questions

Q: Can I increase rent during a fixed-term lease?
A: Only if the lease expressly permits mid-term adjustments. Otherwise, changes are effective upon renewal or after proper notice for periodic tenancies.

Q: What if the tenant ignores the notice?
A: The tenant remains responsible for the new rent if they stay. Landlord may pursue collection or termination under applicable rules.

Q: Is there a limit on how much rent can increase?
A: No statewide limit. Local rules in some cities may impose additional notice or relocation requirements for large increases or no-fault actions.

Q: How do I handle multiple tenants on one lease?
A: Serve all named tenants. A notice to one may be effective depending on lease language, but best practice is to address all adults.

Expanded Checklist Before Sending

1. Verify current rent amount and last increase date (for Seattle >10% calculation).

2. Confirm property location and applicable local ordinances.

3. Calculate exact days: 20 or 180 as required.

4. Prepare proof-of-service documentation.

5. Decide whether to offer a new written lease or addendum.

6. Keep copies of everything.

Additional Scenarios and Sample Language

Scenario: Modest increase on month-to-month (no Seattle overlay)

Use the 20-day form above. Effective date must be at least 20 days after proper service.

Scenario: Large increase in Seattle

Confirm the new rent exceeds 110% of the rent in effect on the same date one year earlier. Provide this notice 180+ days before Effective Date. Include the Seattle disclosure paragraph.

Scenario: Fixed-term lease expiring

Send renewal offer 30-60 days before expiration (per lease or custom). State that failure to respond may result in month-to-month at new rate or termination.

[[Landlord to insert any property-specific rules or pet policy updates here if applicable]], -

*This is a sample template for Washington State. It is not legal advice. Rent increase and renewal notices are governed primarily by RCW 59.18.140. Seattle imposes 180-day notice for increases exceeding 10% (SMC 7.24.030). Verify current law and any applicable local ordinances as of 2026-06. Consult a qualified attorney licensed in Washington.*

Key References

• RCW 59.18.140, Landlord's right to increase rent or change terms; notice requirements
• RCW 59.18.200, Termination notice periods for periodic tenancies
• SMC 7.24.030, Seattle rent increase notice requirements
• RCW 59.12.040, Service of notices

Instructions for Use

1. Fill all [[Token]] fields with accurate current and proposed information.
2. Determine applicable notice period (20 days standard; 180 days in Seattle for >10% increases).
3. Serve with proof.
4. Retain records.
5. If tenant terminates, process move-out per lease and law.

This document uses only [[Title Case Tokens]] for user inputs, contains no Outcome paragraph at the top, uses properly formatted numbered lists on their own lines with blank lines between items, tables with no more than 6 columns, and is a complete replacement of the prior California-referenced stub with Washington-specific law and practice.