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HB 1217HB 1217: What Washington Landlords Need to Know About the Proposed Rent Control Bill

 

Key Takeaways (as of May 2025):

  • HB 1217 is a proposed Washington State bill — it has not been passed into law yet.
  • If enacted, the bill would cap annual rent increases at 7% for existing tenants.
  • A 90-day notice for any rent increase would be required statewide.
  • Local laws with stricter limits override HB 1217 (e.g., Seattle, Issaquah, Redmond).
  • Violations could lead to legal action, tenant compensation, and attorney fees.

🔗 Read the full bill text here (HB 1217)

What Is HB 1217?

HB 1217 is a proposed rent control bill introduced in Washington State that seeks to curb rapidly increasing rental prices and improve housing stability. The legislation targets landlords who rent residential properties and would introduce several major changes to how and when rent can be increased.

Proposed Changes Under HB 1217

Rent Increase Cap:

  • Annual rent increases for existing tenants would be limited to 7%.
  • Applies only to renewals — landlords can charge market rent for new tenants.

Extended Rent Increase Notice:

  • Current law requires 60 days’ notice.
  • HB 1217 would extend this to 90 days statewide.

Exemptions from Rent Cap:

  • Properties built in the last 12 years.
  • Owner-occupied rentals, such as a room in your home or ADU.
  • Affordable housing and nonprofit housing providers.
  • Local ordinances take precedence over HB 1217.

Who Would Be Exempt from HB 1217?

Exemption Type
New Construction — Buildings constructed after 2013 would be exempt for 12 years.
Owner-Occupied Units — Applies to landlords who rent part of their primary residence.
Nonprofits & Affordable Housing — Subject to different state/federal regulations.
Cities with Stricter Laws — Local laws with more tenant protection prevail.

For example:

  • Seattle requires 180 days’ notice for rent increases over 10%.
  • Redmond, Kirkland, Kenmore, Woodinville, and Issaquah require 120 days’ notice for increases above 3%.
    Seattle Tenant Protection Ordinances

What Happens if Landlords Don’t Comply?

If HB 1217 passes and a landlord fails to comply, consequences may include:

Tenant Must Send Demand Letter First

  • Legal action can only follow if the landlord doesn’t respond appropriately.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Refund of overcharged rent.
  • Up to three months’ rent in damages.
  • Tenant’s attorney fees and court costs.

Attorney General Enforcement

  • The Washington State Attorney General may enforce HB 1217, especially for repeat or severe violations.

Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Information

How Would HB 1217 Affect Landlords?

If passed, landlords across Washington will face stricter operational and compliance demands:

  • Advance Planning for Rent Increases
    Landlords must begin planning rent changes 90+ days in advance.
  • Inability to Fully Align with Market Rates
    In fast-growing areas, the 7% cap may limit rent flexibility.
  • Increased Complexity Across Jurisdictions
    Property owners must track both local and statewide rules to avoid penalties.
  • Need for Compliance Systems
    Professional systems that track notice periods, deadlines, and exemptions will be essential for staying compliant.

How Can Landlords Prepare Now?

While HB 1217 is not yet law, it’s wise to proactively prepare:

Keep Rents at or Near Market Rates

  • Stay competitive now to avoid being stuck under future caps.

Make Small, Consistent Adjustments

  • Annual increases of 3–6% can help maintain pace with inflation and market trends.

Stay Informed on Local Laws

  • Know whether your city already requires longer notice periods.

Partner with a Property Management Team

  • A management firm like GPS Renting can help ensure compliance with evolving laws.

Schedule a Free HB 1217 Consultation with GPS Renting

Final Thoughts: Is HB 1217 Likely to Pass?

As of May 2025, HB 1217 remains under legislative review and has not passed into law. However, given growing concerns about housing affordability, it’s likely that some form of rent control legislation will move forward in the future.

Stay informed by monitoring updates via:

Need Help Preparing for HB 1217?
GPS Renting provides expert property management services throughout Washington. We help landlords navigate legal changes, minimize risk, and optimize rental returns.

Contact Us Today to create a rent control preparedness plan.

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