Kirkland, WA Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)

Rent control is not in effect in Kirkland because Washington state law at RCW 35.21.830 preempts cities and counties from enacting rent regulation on private residential property. Kirkland landlords may set market rents and raise rents at lease renewal. However, Washington tenants are protected by the state Residential Landlord-Tenant Act at RCW 59.18, which sets notice requirements, security deposit rules, habitability standards, and eviction procedures. State-level rent-increase notice reforms through House Bill 1351 and related legislation require written notices for rent increases with a minimum number of days before the effective date (typically 60 or 90 days depending on the law as amended). Retaliatory rent increases against tenants who assert their rights are prohibited. Source-of-income discrimination, including refusing Section 8 vouchers, is unlawful under state law. Kirkland applies the regional tenant protections of the Eastside through referrals to the Washington State Attorney General, Dispute Resolution Center of King County, and Tenant Law Center-type services. Landlords must also comply with the state eviction reform law requiring cause for most terminations of month-to-month tenancies. Tenants with complaints can contact the Attorney General's office and file a complaint; landlords should review compliant notice forms from the state each year.