What is the difference between rent stabilization and rent control in Washington?
Rent control sets specific maximum rents on specific units (often based on a base rent set decades ago, with limited annual increases). Rent stabilization caps annual increases by a percentage but does not freeze the rent itself. Washington has a statewide rent stabilization framework: RCW 59.18.700 series (HB 1217, 2024), sunset 2040-07-01. Some Washington cities (where applicable) have local rent-control or stabilization ordinances that override state default. The two regimes have different exemptions and procedures; check the specific local ordinance before assuming state-default rules apply.
Source: RCW 59.18.140 (90-day advance notice for any rent increase, HB 1217)
This is an informational answer based on RCW 59.18.140 (90-day advance notice for any rent increase, HB 1217) as of early 2026. It is not legal advice. Housing law changes year to year and local ordinances (especially in rent-controlled or rent-stabilized cities) can override or add to state law. For contested cases, consult a Washington-licensed attorney.