Increased Tenant Notice: Time frames in Washington State Effective on July 1, 2019

A number of high-profile rules and laws which were passed this year in the Legislature signed by Gov. Jay Inslee are now in effect. Notably, this will impact some common landlord tenant laws which had been on the books for many years.

HB 1440

HB 1440 increased the number of days’ notice for tenant rent increases. Now, all landlords must provide renters a minimum of 60 days’ notice of an increase in rent no matter the size of the increase. However, increases cannot go into effect prior to the completion of the term of the rental agreement. For those in subsidized housing where rent is based on income or other circumstances, landlords must provide a minimum of 30 days’ notice of an increase in rent.

SB 5600

SB 5600 changed the notice to pay or vacate period from three (3) days to fourteen (14). Additionally, the form of the notice was updated to include information on where to find legal or advocacy resources and the tenant’s right to interpreter services at the court.

Should you have any questions or concerns about how these new laws impact your rights as a landlord or tenant, feel free to reach out to the attorneys at Holmquist + Gardiner, PLLC.