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How much notice does a landlord have to give before raising the rent in Seattle?
Short answer
At a glance: 180 days
180 days' written notice before any increase in rent or other housing costs
Notice: At least 181 days before the rent increase takes effect
Give at least 180 days' written notice before raising rent or other periodic housing costs, not counting the day of service; the increase must start at the beginning of a rental period. Example from the City: for a June 1 increase, the tenant must receive the notice by December 2. The calendar uses 181 days so the full 180 days are clear.
"As of November 9, 2021, all housing cost increase notices must provide a minimum of 180 days' advance written notice." seattle.gov
"Service of housing cost increase notices must occur outside the minimum advance notice period. For example, to impose an increase on June 1, your tenant must have received the notice no later than December 2, which allows for a full 180 days not including the day of service." seattle.gov
"When an increase reaches 10% or more you must attach an EDRA notice to the notice of increase for your tenants." seattle.gov
180 days' written notice before any increase in rent or other housing costs Verified
Deadline: At least 181 days before the rent increase takes effect
Give at least 180 days' written notice before raising rent or other periodic housing costs, not counting the day of service; the increase must start at the beginning of a rental period. Example from the City: for a June 1 increase, the tenant must receive the notice by December 2. The calendar uses 181 days so the full 180 days are clear.
Who it covers: Housing costs include rent, parking, storage and other periodic fees. An increase of 10% or more within 12 months requires an attached Economic Displacement Relocation Assistance (EDRA) notice. Serve by personal delivery, or by posting and first-class mail. Use the state form plus the City's Renting in Seattle contact language. State cap (RCW 59.18.700) also applies.
"As of November 9, 2021, all housing cost increase notices must provide a minimum of 180 days' advance written notice." seattle.gov
"Service of housing cost increase notices must occur outside the minimum advance notice period. For example, to impose an increase on June 1, your tenant must have received the notice no later than December 2, which allows for a full 180 days not including the day of service." seattle.gov
"When an increase reaches 10% or more you must attach an EDRA notice to the notice of increase for your tenants." seattle.gov
Notes: SMC 7.24.030 (Ordinance 126450; code text not snapshotted); Renting in Seattle housing cost increases page.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction