Rental Property Rules in Spokane, WA

If you live in Spokane or are thinking about moving there, rental property rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Spokane has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of rental property rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Rent Control

Washington RCW 35.21.830 has historically preempted local rent control. In 2024, HB 2114 and related legislation adjusted the landscape. Spokane has no rent-control ordinance and relies on RCW 59.18 landlord-tenant rules. Rent increase notice is 60 days under state law.

Key details: Preemption: RCW 35.21.830 partially repealed. Rent Notice: 60 days RCW 59.18.140. Just Cause: RCW 59.18.650. Local: No Spokane rent cap. Protections: SMC 10.60 source-of-income.

Failure to give 60-day rent-increase notice voids the increase. Illegal eviction: tenant remedies under RCW 59.18 including treble damages.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Spokane gives residents more flexibility on rent control.

Relocation Assistance

Under RCW 59.18.650, Spokane landlords ending tenancies for owner move-in, substantial rehabilitation, or rental-market withdrawal must provide tenants with relocation assistance equal to one month's rent.

Key details: Amount: One month's rent. Notice period: 90 days written. Triggering causes: Owner move-in, rehab, withdrawal. Payment timing: Before vacate.

Failing to pay one month's relocation assistance for qualifying just-cause terminations under RCW 59.18.650 can void the eviction notice and expose the landlord to damages and attorney fees.

No-Fault Evictions

WA HB 1236 (2021), codified at RCW 59.18.650, eliminated most no-fault month-to-month terminations statewide, requiring Spokane landlords to cite an enumerated just-cause reason to end any tenancy.

Key details: Statewide statute: RCW 59.18.650 (HB 1236). No-cause month-to-month: Eliminated. Notice for some causes: 60-90 days. Relocation assistance: Required for some.

Issuing a no-cause termination notice for a month-to-month Spokane tenancy violates RCW 59.18.650 and exposes the landlord to wrongful eviction defenses, attorney fees, and damages.

This is one of the stricter rules in Spokane's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Just Cause Eviction

Spokane landlords must comply with Washington HB 1236 (2021), which requires just cause to terminate any residential tenancy. Sixteen enumerated reasons include nonpayment, lease violations, owner move-in, and substantial renovation, each with specific notice periods.

Key details: State Law: RCW 59.18.650 (HB 1236, 2021). Just Causes: 16 enumerated grounds. Owner Move-In Notice: 90 days written. Rehabilitation Notice: 120 days. Local Code: SMC Chapter 10.57.

Improper notice voids the eviction. Tenants can recover attorney fees, actual damages, and up to three months rent in wrongful eviction suits.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Spokane actively enforces its just cause eviction requirements.

The Bottom Line

Spokane is tougher than many cities when it comes to rental property rules. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Spokane, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Spokane can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.