3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Benton County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Since May 7, 2025, Washington caps annual rent increases statewide under HB 1217. In Benton County a landlord may raise rent no more than 7% plus CPI or 10%, whichever is less — 9.68% for 2026 — with no increase in the first 12 months.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.700
During any 12-month period of the tenancy, in an amount greater than seven percent plus the consumer price index, or 10 percent, whichever is less.
Washington requires just cause to evict. In Benton County a landlord may not end a tenancy or refuse renewal except for a reason listed in RCW 59.18.650 — nonpayment, a lease breach, or an owner move-in — and must give the matching written notice.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.650(1)(a)
A landlord may not evict a tenant, refuse to continue a tenancy, or end a periodic tenancy except for the causes enumerated in subsection (2)
Rental registration in Benton County depends on your city. Prosser requires a rental business license — $10 to register, $5 to renew yearly — with a safety inspection every five years. Kennewick, Richland, West Richland, and the unincorporated county run no registration program.
1 cities in Benton County have their own rental property rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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