Rent Control: Auburn vs Kent
How do rent control rules compare between Auburn, WA and Kent, WA?
Auburn and Kent have similar restriction levels.
Auburn, WA
King County
Rent control is preempted statewide by RCW 35.21.830, so Auburn landlords set market rents; tenant protections come from RCW 59.18 (Residential Landlord-Tenant Act) and HB 1351 notice reforms.
View full Auburn rules →Kent, WA
King County
Rent control is preempted by Washington RCW 35.21.830, so Kent cannot cap rent increases. Just-cause eviction and notice rules under RCW 59.18 still apply.
View full Kent rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Rent Control | Preempted by RCW 35.21.830 | - |
| Tenant Law | RCW 59.18 | - |
| Notice | HB 1351 rent-notice reforms | 60 days for increases |
| Just Cause | Required statewide | - |
| Voucher Discrimination | Unlawful | - |
| Rent cap | - | None (state preemption) |
| Just cause | - | RCW 59.18.650 |
| Relocation aid | - | Not currently in Kent |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
Can Auburn enact rent control?
No. State law RCW 35.21.830 bars cities from enacting rent control on private residential property, so Auburn landlords set market rents subject to state notice rules.
How much notice does my Auburn landlord need to raise rent?
Washington rent-increase reforms require written notice well in advance, often 60 days and longer for large increases. Check the latest state law to confirm the current minimum.
Kent FAQ
Does Kent have rent control?
No, Washington RCW 35.21.830 preempts local rent caps, so landlords can raise rent freely with 60 days notice.
Can a landlord evict without a reason?
Not under RCW 59.18.650, which requires just cause for most month-to-month and fixed-term residential evictions.
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