Major Law Changes Now in Effect: What Providers Need to Know

The 2025 Legislative Session in Washington was characterized by intense advocacy efforts by the Rental Housing Association of Washington (RHAWA). Our entire team worked tirelessly to oppose the  Engrossed House Bill (EHB) 1217, the damaging rent control legislation, while championing more balanced and constructive policies such as the Tenant Safety Act, Tenant Assistance Program, and Harmonization Act. We launched a comprehensive media campaign, which included TV airtime, digital advertising, and countless stakeholder meetings, helping to shape public opinion and influence policymakers. Member engagement reached record levels, with large attendances at hearings, thousands upon thousands of messages sent to lawmakers, including Governor Ferguson through the Advocacy Center, and a highly successful Legislative Day on the Hill.

Despite these efforts, Governor Ferguson signed EHB 1217 into law at a Plymouth Housing property that is explicitly exempt from its provisions on May 7. The bill imposes a statewide cap on rent increases—limiting annual increases to 7% plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI), or 10%, whichever is lower—and establishes a 5% cap specifically for manufactured housing communities. It also introduces stricter notice requirements, including the use of a specific rent increase notice form, mandatory service via certified mail, and a minimum 90-day notice period for rent hikes. The legislation restricts rent increases during the first year of tenancy and limits the overall increase amount and frequency, significantly affecting how housing providers can adjust rents. Additionally, it grants broad enforcement powers to the Attorney General, including the ability to pursue civil penalties and investigate violations, creating a complex legal environment that small housing providers may find difficult to navigate.

In response, RHAWA has moved swiftly to adapt to these new regulations by updating legal forms, expanding educational workshops, and launching online classes to help property owners comply. We emphasize the importance of re-serving notices that do not meet the new standards to maintain enforceability and defend against potential legal challenges. As Sean Flynn, Executive Director, explained in our press release,

“This legislation is a direct attack on the stability of Washington’s rental market and will make it significantly harder for housing providers to manage their properties effectively.” 

RHAWA remains committed to supporting our members by providing resources, guidance, and advocacy to help them adapt to this rapidly changing legal landscape and protect their businesses amid these new, restrictive policies.

These tables clearly outline the before-and-after changes to your notice requirements, rent caps, form use, and delivery procedures—critical knowledge for day-to-day property management. 

Questions? We’re Here to Help 

We encourage you to thoroughly review the resources above before reaching out. That said, our team is available to support you, and we strongly recommend attending one of the remaining workshops or the upcoming online classes. 

Contact RHAWA if you need direct assistance we are committed to helping you navigate this transition with confidence.  

^{Formal legal advice and review is recommended prior to selection and use of this information. RHAWA does not represent your selection or execution of this information as appropriate for your specific circumstance. The material contained and represented herein, although obtained from reliable sources, is not considered legal advice or to be used as a substitution for legal counsel.}