The Washington State Department of Commerce has set the maximum allowable annual rent increase for residential units subject to rent stabilization at 3.3% for 2025. This cap, which applies specifically to manufactured/mobile home communities, is calculated annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the West Region, as required under state law.
How Washington State Calculates Annual Rent Increases
The 3.3% limit is derived from the September-to-September change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the West Region, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Under RCW 59.20.090, landlords in mobile home parks are prohibited from increasing rent by more than the annual rate of inflation, unless they provide specific notice and adhere to statutory requirements.
The Department of Commerce publishes this figure annually to provide transparency for both park owners and tenants. While this cap restricts the percentage of increase, it does not apply to all residential rentals in Washington; it is specifically governed by the Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act.
Scope of the 2025 Rent Cap
This regulation applies strictly to manufactured and mobile home lots. It does not set a statewide rent control limit for traditional apartments or single-family home rentals. Tenants living in conventional rental housing are not covered by this specific 3.3% figure, as Washington state law generally prohibits local jurisdictions from enacting broad rent control measures on residential properties, per RCW 36.21.083.
Requirements for Landlords
To implement a rent increase, landlords of manufactured home communities must provide written notice to tenants at least 90 days before the increase takes effect. The increase cannot exceed the 3.3% threshold established for the 2025 calendar year. If a landlord fails to provide the required notice or attempts to exceed the state-mandated cap, tenants may have legal recourse under the Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act.
Comparison of Recent Annual Rent Caps
The allowable increase fluctuates annually based on national economic data. The following figures represent the recent history of these state-mandated caps:
| Year | Allowable Rent Increase |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 7.21% |
| 2024 | 3.86% |
| 2025 | 3.30% |
These figures reflect the cooling of inflation rates in the West Region over the past 24 months, as tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this 3.3% cap apply to my apartment lease?
No. This cap is exclusive to manufactured and mobile home community lots. It does not apply to standard apartment buildings or single-family home rentals.
What happens if my landlord increases rent above 3.3%?
If you reside in a manufactured home community and receive a notice for an increase exceeding 3.3%, you should review the notice against the official Washington State Department of Commerce guidelines. Tenants who believe their rights have been violated may contact the state’s Attorney General’s Office or seek assistance from local legal aid organizations.
Where can I find the official data?
The Department of Commerce releases the annual percentage on its official website. The data is based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ CPI-U data for the West Region, which serves as the objective benchmark for the calculation.
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