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.
Spokane, WA
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-...
Spokane, WA
Security deposits in Spokane rentals are governed by RCW 59.18.260 to 59.18.285, requiring written rental agreements, move-in checklists, and itemized deposi...
See how Spokane's pass-through charges rules stack up against other locations.
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