Effective May 7, 2025, Engrossed House Bill 1217 (EHB 1217) introduces several new requirements under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RLTA). This legislation is designed to promote housing stability and applies to all residential rental properties across Washington State.
As your property management partner, GPS Renting is fully prepared to help you navigate and comply with these changes.
1. Key Changes for Property Owners #
1. Rent Increase Limits
After the first 12 months of a tenancy, any rent increase is subject to the following cap:
- The lesser of 7% plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or
- 10% annually
2. Stricter Notice Requirements
All rent increase notices must now:
- Use a specific format prescribed by law
- Follow new formal service requirements
- Be fully compliant to be considered valid
Non-compliant notices may be challenged or deemed unenforceable.
3. New Tenant Lease Termination Rights
If a rent increase is found to violate the new rules:
- Tenants may request a correction
- If unresolved, they may terminate the lease with 20 days’ written notice, penalty-free
2. Formal Notice Delivery Requirements #
EHB 1217 changes how rent increase notices must be served. The process now mirrors the formal delivery method used for eviction notices:
To be valid, a rent increase notice must be:
- Personally delivered to the tenant,
OR - Posted conspicuously on the premises
AND - Sent via certified mail to each adult tenant listed on the lease
This is a more rigorous and time-sensitive process than previous methods such as emailing lease renewal offers.
We manage this process on your behalf to ensure legal compliance and proper documentation.
3. How We Support You #
To reduce the burden of new legal and administrative requirements, all Owner Benefit Package (OBP) tiers include:
- Two legally compliant notices per year
- Support with documentation, certified mailing, and service
- Added protection for rental income and tenant defaults
- Lower costs for maintenance and administrative services
- Strategic oversight to help protect and grow your investment
We believe compliance should never be stressful—and we’re here to make sure it isn’t.
