Does Spokane, WA have its own rent control ordinance?

No. Spokane, WA does not appear to have a local rent control ordinance, Washington state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from RCW 35.21.830.

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

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

Few Restrictions

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

Rent control rules in Spokane, WA, also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances, limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.

Key Facts

Preemption: RCW 35.21.830 partially repealed
Rent Notice: 60 days RCW 59.18.140
Just Cause: RCW 59.18.650
Local: No Spokane rent cap
Protections: SMC 10.60 source-of-income

Summary

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-control ordinance and relies on RCW 59.18 landlord-tenant rules. Rent increase notice is 60 days under state law.

The imposition of controls on rent is of statewide significance and is preempted by the state. No city or town of any class may enact, maintain, or enforce ordinances or other provisions which regulate the amount of rent to be charged for single-family or multiple-unit residential rental structures or sites other than properties in public ownership, under public management, or properties providing low-income rental housing under joint public-private agreements for the financing or provision of such low-income rental housing. This section shall not be construed as prohibiting any city or town from entering into agreements with private persons which regulate or control the amount of rent to be charged for rental properties.

Source: RCW 35.21.830View official code

Full Breakdown

Washington Revised Code 35.21.830 long prohibited cities from enacting rent control. In 2024, the legislature considered and partially repealed elements of that preemption, but comprehensive statewide rent-stabilization legislation (such as HB 2114) did not pass in 2024 as originally proposed, and further efforts continued in 2025. As of early 2026 Spokane has no local rent-control ordinance. Landlords must provide at least 60 days written notice for any rent increase on month-to-month tenancies under RCW 59.18.140 (expanded from the former 30 days via recent legislation). Just-cause eviction protections apply statewide under RCW 59.18.650. Spokane does have tenant-protection ordinances addressing source-of-income discrimination and relocation assistance for certain displacements (SMC 10.60 and chapter updates).

Violations & Fines

Failure to give 60-day rent-increase notice voids the increase. Illegal eviction: tenant remedies under RCW 59.18 including treble damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Spokane have rent control?

No. Washington historically preempted local rent control under RCW 35.21.830, and Spokane has not adopted rent stabilization.

How much notice must my Spokane landlord give to raise rent?

At least 60 days in writing for month-to-month tenancies under RCW 59.18.140.

Sources & Official References

[1]RCW 35.21.830
[2]RCW 59.18.140

Other rules in Spokane

Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental PermitsSome Restrictions Relocation AssistanceSome Restrictions No-Fault EvictionsHeavy Restrictions Just Cause EvictionHeavy Restrictions HOA Rules: Dispute ResolutionSome Restrictions HOA Rules: CC&R EnforcementSome Restrictions HOA Rules: Architectural ReviewSome Restrictions Solar Energy: HOA RestrictionsFew Restrictions Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary ZoningSome Restrictions

All Spokane rules

Compare Spokane to another location·View the Washington rental property rules overview

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