Rent control rules in Federal Way, WA — also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances — limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Rent control is preempted by Washington RCW 35.21.830, so Federal Way cannot cap rent increases. State HB 1351 notice rules and RCW 59.18 just-cause eviction protections still apply.
Washington RCW 35.21.830 preempts cities from adopting ordinances that control the amount of rent charged for residential housing. Federal Way therefore has no rent ceiling, and landlords may raise rent to market levels with proper notice. Under RCW 59.18.140 and state notice rules (including HB 1351 updates), landlords must give at least 60 days written notice before any rent increase in most tenancies, and landlords must offer specific pay-or-vacate notices under RCW 59.18.057. While Federal Way cannot cap amounts, state law does restrict reasons for termination: RCW 59.18.650 requires just cause for most evictions of tenants on month-to-month or fixed-term leases, including non-payment, lease violation, owner occupation, or substantial rehabilitation. Federal Way has adopted a tenant relocation assistance program that provides relocation funds when rent increases exceed a certain threshold or a building is substantially rehabilitated, in addition to state law.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
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