Provide tenants more time to respond to rent increases (HB 1904/Peterson, Morgan)

There are currently no limits on how high landlords can raise rents in Washington. In communities across the state, tenants are experiencing exorbitant rent increases. When a tenant can’t afford a major rent hike, they often have to move with as little as 60 days’ notice. With high rents and limited vacancies, renters need more time to respond to significant rent increases. HB1904 requires landlords to provide six months’ notice for significant rent increases. This gives tenants time to decide what’s best for them, and if necessary, time to find a new place to live and save money for a deposit and other moving costs. It also gives tenants more flexibility to end their lease and move before the increase takes effect, and caps late fees.