Rent control rules in Benton County, WA — also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances — limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
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.
Washington's rent stabilization law, HB 1217, codified at RCW 59.18.700, governs every Benton County rental — Kennewick, Richland, West Richland, Prosser, and the unincorporated county alike. After a tenancy's first year, rent may rise once in any 12-month period by the lesser of seven percent plus the Consumer Price Index or ten percent; the Department of Commerce set the 2026 ceiling at 9.683%. No increase is allowed during the first 12 months, and landlords must give 90 days' written notice. Manufactured and mobile-home lot rents are capped at 5%. New buildings get a 12-year exemption.
A rent increase above the cap or without 90 days' written notice is unenforceable, and the tenant may stay at the lawful rent. The Attorney General enforces HB 1217 and may seek penalties and tenant damages.
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