Because WA RCW 35.21.830 preempts rent control, Spokane landlords may pass through utility costs, common-area fees, and other charges under written lease terms, subject to RCW 59.18 disclosure rules.
RCW 35.21.830 bars Washington cities, including Spokane, from enacting rent or fee caps on private residential rentals. As a result, landlords may pass through utility costs (water, sewer, trash, electricity sub-meter), common-area maintenance, pet fees, parking, and similar charges as agreed in a written lease. Under RCW 59.18.060, landlords providing master-metered utilities billed back to tenants must disclose the billing methodology in the lease. Increases in pass-through charges generally require the same notice as a rent increase (60 days for month-to-month tenancies under RCW 59.18.140).
Charging undisclosed pass-through fees not in the lease or raising them without 60 days' written notice for month-to-month tenancies violates RCW 59.18.140 and may be unenforceable.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Spokane, WA
Spokane has no municipal ordinance limiting lawn ornaments, statues, or yard art on private property. HOA architectural guidelines under RCW 64.38 apply in m...
Spokane, WA
Spokane has no municipal ordinance limiting inflatable holiday decorations on private property. HOA architectural rules under RCW 64.38 apply in master-plann...
Spokane, WA
Spokane has no municipal ordinance limiting holiday lights on private residential property. Restrictions come from HOA architectural rules under Washington's...
Spokane, WA
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Spokane require building, plumbing, electrical, and/or gas permits under SMC Chapter 17F.040 (which adopts the International Re...
Spokane, WA
Spokane treats outdoor smokers as open-flame cooking devices under International Fire Code 308.1.4 as adopted in SMC Chapter 17F.080. Multifamily balcony 10-...
Spokane, WA
Spokane adopts the International Fire Code under SMC Chapter 17F.080. IFC 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of ...
See how Spokane's pass-through charges rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.