Understanding Rent Increase Limits for Mobile Home Park Tenants in Washington

If you rent a lot or space in a mobile home park in Washington, it's important to know your rights regarding rent increases. The state has specific rules about how and when landlords can raise rent in manufactured housing communities. By understanding these protections, you can advocate for yourself if you receive a notice of a rent hike.

What Are the Rules for Rent Increases in Washington Mobile Home Parks?

Unlike some other states, Washington does not place a direct cap or percentage limit on rent increases in mobile home parks. However, manufactured/mobile home park landlords must follow strict notice requirements before raising rent and cannot raise rent in a discriminatory or retaliatory way.

• Minimum notice: Landlords must give at least 3 months’ written notice before increasing rent. (RCW 59.20.090)
• Frequency: Rent can be increased at the end of a rental term or lease, but not during a fixed lease term unless the lease says otherwise.
• No discrimination or retaliation: Landlords cannot increase rent to punish tenants who exercise their legal rights or for discriminatory reasons.

Notice Requirements for Rent Increases

Washington law requires your landlord to provide a written rent increase notice. This notice must:

• Be delivered personally to you or sent by first-class mail
• State the new amount of rent and the date it goes into effect
• Be provided at least 3 months before the increase starts

Relevant Legislation

All renters and landlords in Washington mobile home parks are covered by the Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord Tenant Act (RCW 59.20).^[1]

Washington’s Department of Commerce oversees landlord-tenant issues for manufactured housing. If you need formal dispute resolution, you can apply to the Office of Manufactured/Mobile Home Relocation Assistance.^[2]

What Should I Do If I Get a Rent Increase Notice?

If you receive notice of a rent increase:

• Check that the notice gives at least 3 months’ warning and is in writing
• Review your lease or rental agreement for any additional limits
• If you believe the increase is discriminatory or retaliatory, you can request an explanation in writing and seek legal help if needed

Filing a Complaint About a Rent Increase

If you believe your rent was raised without proper notice, or in retaliation for asserting your rights, you may file a complaint using official state forms.

• Mobile/Manufactured Home Dispute Resolution Program Intake Form
  • Form Name: Mobile/Manufactured Home Dispute Resolution Program Intake Form
  • When to Use: If your landlord failed to provide proper notice or you suspect unlawful rent increases, complete this form to initiate a complaint with the Department of Commerce.
  • How to Use: Gather all documentation (notice of rent increase, lease, correspondence), complete the form, and submit it as instructed.
  • Official Intake Form (PDF)

The Department of Commerce will review submissions and, if necessary, provide mediation or guidance.

Who Handles Manufactured Housing Disputes in Washington?

The primary authority for rent-related complaints in manufactured housing is the Office of Manufactured/Mobile Home Relocation Assistance within the Washington State Department of Commerce.^[2] They offer an intake process for disputes between tenants and landlords in mobile home parks.

Steps to Respond to a Rent Increase Notice

Here are basic steps renters can take if facing a rent increase:

• Read the notice carefully and check the effective date
• Verify your lease terms regarding rent increases
• Contact your landlord in writing if you question the notice’s legality
• If unresolved, file a complaint with the Department of Commerce (see above for the form)

Document every step of your communication and response to a rent increase notice. Having a written record helps if you later file a complaint or seek mediation.

FAQ: Washington Mobile Home Park Rent Increases

1. Can my landlord raise my rent at any time in a mobile home park?
   Not during a fixed-term lease. If you rent month-to-month, your landlord must give you at least 3 months’ written notice before any rent increase goes into effect.
2. Is there a cap on how much my rent can go up in Washington mobile home parks?
   No specific cap exists under state law. However, rent increases must follow proper notice requirements and cannot discriminate or retaliate against tenants.
3. What if I do not get a written notice for a rent increase?
   If you do not get at least 3 months’ prior written notice, you are not required to pay the increased rent right away. Inform your landlord in writing and contact the Department of Commerce if issues persist.
4. Who can help me if I think my rent increase is unfair or retaliatory?
   You can seek support from the Office of Manufactured/Mobile Home Relocation Assistance (Washington State Department of Commerce) or a local legal aid provider.
5. How do I dispute an unlawful rent increase?
   Collect all related documents and submit a complaint using the official Intake Form to the Department of Commerce for review and possible mediation.

Key Takeaways for Washington Mobile Home Park Renters

• Washington does not set a hard limit on rent increases, but does require 3 months’ advance written notice in mobile home parks.
• Increases must not be discriminatory or retaliatory, and proper procedures must be followed.
• If you believe your rights were violated, file a complaint with the state Department of Commerce using the official intake form.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Office of Manufactured/Mobile Home Relocation Assistance (Washington Department of Commerce) – info, dispute resolution, and forms for renters
• Washington State Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Information
• Washington LawHelp (legal information for renters)
• To file a complaint: Mobile/Manufactured Home Dispute Resolution Program Intake Form

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1. Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord Tenant Act (RCW 59.20)
2. Office of Manufactured/Mobile Home Relocation Assistance – Washington Department of Commerce

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