Rent Stabilization in Kirkland, Washington

Last updated: January 2026

Washington's statewide rent increase cap (HB 1217) protects tenants in Kirkland with rent increase limits and notice requirements.

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1. Overview of Rent Stabilization in Kirkland

In the greater Seattle area, Kirkland residents are protected by HB 1217's comprehensive rent stabilization. Washington's Statewide Rent Increase Cap (HB 1217), effective since 2025, provides:

• Rent increase caps – Annual increases limited to 7% + CPI (max 10%)
• 12-month waiting period – No rent increases during the first year of tenancy
• Notice requirements – 90 days written notice required before rent increases

This article provides an overview of how Washington's rent increase cap applies in Kirkland. It is not legal advice. For specific questions, consult with a qualified attorney or tenant counseling organization.

2. Who Is Covered in Kirkland?

HB 1217 applies to all residential rental properties in Kirkland that are subject to Washington's Residential Landlord Tenant Act (RCW 59.18). Unlike some states with age-based exemptions, Washington's law applies to properties of all ages after the first 12 months of tenancy.

Key Points:

• No construction year cutoff – Unlike some states, Washington applies the cap to properties of all ages
• 12-month waiting period – Rent increases are not permitted during the first 12 months of tenancy
• Property types – Apartments, houses, condos, and other residential rentals are covered

Exemptions:

• Properties exempt from RCW 59.18
• Week-to-week tenancies (may be exempt)

3. Maximum Allowable Rent Increases

The maximum rent increase for 2026 is **9.683%**, calculated as 7% plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Seattle area, capped at 10%. This rate is published annually by the Washington State Department of Commerce.

2026 Rent Increase Cap:

• Maximum increase: 9.683% (7% + CPI, capped at 10%)

Important Rules:

• Only one rent increase per 12-month period is allowed
• Landlords must provide at least 90 days written notice before any increase
• The cap applies to tenants who have lived in the unit for at least 12 months
• First-year tenants may see increases above the cap (but still need 90-day notice)

4. Notice Requirements for Rent Increases

Landlords must provide at least **90 days written notice** before implementing any rent increase.

Notice Requirements:

• Statewide: 90 days written notice required
• Frequency: Once per 12-month period
• The notice must include the amount of the increase, new rent amount, and effective date

5. 12-Month Waiting Period

One of the key protections under HB 1217 is the **12-month waiting period**. Landlords cannot increase rent during the first 12 months of a tenancy, regardless of when the property was built.

How It Works:

• During your first 12 months, landlords cannot increase rent
• After 12 months, rent increases are subject to the annual cap
• This protection applies to all covered properties, regardless of age

6. Resources for Kirkland Tenants

If you're a tenant in Kirkland and have questions about your rights, consider these resources:

• Washington State Department of Commerce - HB 1217 – Official state information about rent increase caps
• Tenants Union of Washington State – Statewide tenant rights organization
• Washington Law Help – Free legal information and resources

You can also use RentCheckMe to check if your building is likely covered based on property information.

7. Important Disclaimer

This article is a high-level overview of Washington's Rent Increase Cap (HB 1217) as it applies in Kirkland. It does not cover every exception and does not constitute legal advice.

Laws may change, and how they apply depends on your specific situation. For binding guidance, consult with a qualified attorney, the Tenants Union of Washington State, or Washington Law Help.

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