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There are a number of unknowns when it comes to a rent increase in Seattle.
Under Seattle’s new rent increase ordinance, tenants must be given a six-month notice of a rent increase. This is not a commitment to lease the property, just a notice that the rent will be going up. 60 to 90 days prior to the lease termination date, the landlord can provide the tenant with a new lease or give notice to vacate, based on one of the allowed reasons under Seattle’s Just Cause Eviction Ordinance. If neither happens, the lease term become a month-to-month rental agreement.
What is unknown is if the landlord can sign a lease now that incorporates a rent increase that goes into effect in six months. The courts could interpret this as that the tenant did not receive the required 180-day notice for rent increases because the tenant did not have six months to consider signing a lease at a new rate. Only when there is case law will we know what the answer is.
We are here to help you and your clients with all aspects of the rental market. Please contact us for further assistance!
Nothing found herein should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a legal opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of law. You should not rely solely on this information. We encourage our clients to work with a lawyer experienced in commercial and/or residential real estate matters as they can be complicated and confusing.
