Does Spokane, WA have its own relocation assistance ordinance?

No. Spokane, WA does not appear to have a local relocation assistance ordinance, Washington state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from RCW 59.18.650 (HB 1236).

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Spokane

Spokane, WA Rental Property Rules: Relocation Assistance (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

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

Summary

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.

(4) A landlord who removes a tenant or causes a tenant to be removed from a dwelling in any way in violation of this section is liable to the tenant for wrongful eviction, and the tenant prevailing in such an action is entitled to the greater of their economic and noneconomic damages or three times the monthly rent of the dwelling at issue, and reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs.
(5) Nothing in subsection (2)(d), (e), or (f) of this section permits a landlord to end a tenancy for a specified period before the completion of the term unless the landlord and the tenant mutually consent, in writing, to ending the tenancy early and the tenant is afforded at least 60 days to vacate.
(6) All written notices required under subsection (2) of this section must:
(a) Be served in a manner consistent with RCW 59.12.040 ; and
(b) Identify the facts and circumstances known and available to the landlord at the time of the issuance of the notice that support the cause or causes with enough specificity so as to enable the tenant to respond and prepare a defense to any incidents alleged.

Source: RCW 59.18.650 (HB 1236)View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

WA HB 1236 requires landlords using certain just-cause grounds (owner or family move-in, demolition or substantial rehabilitation, or withdrawal from the rental market) to pay tenants relocation assistance equivalent to one month's rent and provide 90 days' written notice. The payment must be made before the tenant vacates or applied to the final month's rent at tenant election. Spokane has not enacted higher city-level relocation amounts of the kind seen in some California cities. Landlords misusing these grounds (e.g., not actually moving in) face statutory penalties.

Violations & Fines

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does relocation assistance apply?

When a Spokane landlord ends tenancy for owner/family move-in, substantial rehabilitation, demolition, or withdrawal from the rental market under RCW 59.18.650.

How much is the assistance?

One month's rent, paid before the tenant vacates or applied to the final month's rent at the tenant's election.

Sources & Official References

[1]RCW 59.18.650

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All Spokane rules

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