In Washington, the rules around rent increases and lease renewals are constantly shifting; Remaining compliant has become increasingly cumbersome and 2025 has brought the strictest, most complicated regulations to date. In this article, I will simplify the topic and detail Sagareus Property Management Policies and Procedures updates in response to the changes.
Rent Increase Notices and Lease Renewal Notices are separate processes with different timelines.
Rent increase caps and notice requirements vary by city; Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, and others each have unique rules.
All notices must be delivered in person and sent via Certified Mail with proof of service and photo documentation.
Lease Renewal Fees reflect the extensive labor and compliance required to prepare, serve, mail, and track each notice.
There is no standard across the State of Washington. Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, and various other cities each have their own rent increase caps, increase notice and renewal notice timelines.
Everywhere Else - Rent increases are capped at the lesser of 7% + CPI or 10%.
Seattle - One notice served 180 days in advance.
Tacoma - Three separate notices at 180, 120, and 90 days.
Everywhere Else - At least 90 days’ notice, though many jurisdictions require 120 days for increases over 5%.
Lease Renewal Notice is separate from rent increase notice and follows a completely different schedule.
Every step needs to be photographed, timestamped, and logged in writing. If a dispute ever arises, this documentation is what keeps a landlord protected in court.
Every notice must be:
Prepared in duplicate or triplicate - One per adult occupant, plus one for “All Other Occupants.”
Delivered In Person - With accompanying documentation
Mailed via Certified Mail - With proof of service and documented timelines.
RHAWA (Rental Housing Association of Washington) outlines the formal service process, which includes:
Completing a Declaration of Service for every notice served,
Retaining copies for legal proof
Adding photographic evidence (postings, mailing receipts), and
Following up via phone, text and/or email to confirm receipt
1. Standardized Rent Increase Amount
Sagareus has standardized rent increase to 4.99% in Tacoma/Olympia and 6% in all other jurisdictions to ensure compliance. This standardization also removes liability from retaliation or discrimination claims.
Clients are emailed proposed rent increase 1 week prior to due date with the opportunity to reduce / increase the rent increase amount from standard rate.
2. Standardized Lease Renewal Fee
Sagareus has standardized Lease Renewal Fee to $500 for single family properties and $250 for multi-unit
properties in all locations except Tacoma.
Lease Renewal Fee in Tacoma is $750 for single family properties and $500 for multi-family properties.
Assuming a household of 2 adults, the Lease Renewal Fee includes:
Preparing & printing 6 Notices (2 tenants + 1 All Other Occupants x 1 Rent Increase Notice + 1 Lease Renewal Notice)
Visiting property 2 times to physically post notice, prepare Declaration of Service, and provide photo documentation.
Visiting property 4 times to physically post notice, prepare Declaration of Service, and provide photo documentation.
3. Certified Mail Cost Pass Thru
The Lease Renewal Fee does not include the material cost of certified mailing(s). Current Sagareus clients should expect to see Certified Mail charge along with Lease Renewal Fee.
By standardizing the process, we reduce errors and liability. Delivering exceptional property management comes from our commitment to continuous improvement. As the laws evolve, so do we. We've adapted quickly, implemented new technology, and refined our systems so our clients assets remain profitable and complaint.