Washington Rent Rules After Accessibility Upgrades

If you're renting in Washington and have requested accessibility upgrades (such as wheelchair ramps or bathroom modifications), you may wonder if your landlord can raise your rent as a result. This guide explains Washington state laws about rent increases after disability-related changes, and outlines your rights and the steps you can take if you have concerns.

Can a Landlord Raise Rent After Accessibility Modifications in Washington?

Washington law requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations and allow modifications for renters with disabilities under both the federal Fair Housing Act and the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD)¹. But does this obligation allow a landlord to increase the rent if the rental unit is upgraded for accessibility?

• If you pay for the modification yourself, your landlord cannot raise your rent because of the accessibility change.
• Landlords are generally not required to pay for modifications, but must approve reasonable requests, as long as you restore the property when moving out (with certain exceptions for reasonable wear and tear).
• If a landlord chooses to pay for modifications as an improvement, they may be able to increase rent if it follows standard procedures for rent increases and isn’t discriminatory. However, raising rent specifically because of your disability is not allowed.

For all rent changes, landlords must comply with RCW 59.18.140, which requires at least 60 days’ written notice for any rent increase.

Understanding Washington’s Laws and Tenant Protections

These state and federal rules protect renters with disabilities:

• Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RLTA) – Outlines basic tenant rights and landlord responsibilities.
• WLAD on Housing Accommodations – Protects individuals from discrimination based on disability, including accommodation/modification rights.
• Both federal and state laws make it illegal to charge additional rent or security deposit fees just because a unit has accessibility improvements for a renter’s verified disability.

If you receive a rent increase related to an accessibility upgrade you paid for or requested for your disability, you can challenge it.

How to Respond if Your Rent Is Increased After an Accessibility Upgrade

If your landlord raises your rent after a disability-related modification, follow these steps:

• Ask your landlord in writing for a written explanation for the rent increase.
• Refer to WLAD and clarify that you’re a protected tenant with a disability.
• If you suspect discrimination, file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission.

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• Reasonable Accommodation/Modification Request (No official state form): For requesting a disability-related modification. Sample letters are recommended by the Human Rights Commission—provide details of your request and include medical documentation if necessary. See template guidance on the Human Rights Commission's Fair Housing page.
• Discrimination Complaint Form: Used to file if your landlord improperly raises rent or refuses accommodation. File online with the Human Rights Commission. Example: You notice rent was increased weeks after your request for a grab bar; you may use this form to file a formal complaint.

Tip: Always keep records of your communication with your landlord about accessibility upgrades and any rent increase notices.

What Agency Handles Rental Disputes and Tenant Complaints?

Rental enforcement and housing discrimination claims in Washington are overseen by the Washington State Human Rights Commission and the Washington Attorney General's Manufactured Housing Dispute Resolution Program for manufactured home tenants. Standard residential rental disputes are usually addressed through local county courts, but housing discrimination claims are directed to the Human Rights Commission.

Refer to the Landlord-Tenant section of the Washington Attorney General’s Office for further support.

FAQ: Rent Increases and Accessibility Upgrades in Washington

1. Can my landlord increase rent because I requested an accessibility upgrade?
   No, if you pay for the modification yourself, your landlord cannot raise rent solely due to your request or installation.
2. Does my landlord have to pay for necessary accessibility modifications?
   Generally, you pay for modifications; landlords must grant reasonable requests but are not usually required to pay, unless federally funded housing rules require otherwise.
3. What notice must my landlord give for any rent increase?
   Landlords must provide at least 60 days’ written notice before any rent increase under state law.
4. How do I file a discrimination complaint in Washington?
   Use the online complaint form provided by the Washington State Human Rights Commission.
5. Do I need to return my unit to its original condition when moving out?
   In many cases, yes. You may be required to restore the rental to its prior state unless the change is reasonable and the landlord agrees to leave it.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Washington State Human Rights Commission – File discrimination complaints and learn about fair housing rights
• Washington Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Information – State-provided guides for renters and landlords
• Washington Law Help – Free civil legal help and information
• DSHS Home Modifications – Information on accessibility services for renters with disabilities in Washington

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1. Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD)
2. Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act
3. HUD Reasonable Modifications and Accommodations
4. Washington Human Rights Commission Fair Housing

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