W
ashington's attorney general has taken action against eight landlords for violating the state's new rent hike cap, fining each $2,000. The law, House Bill 1217, took effect in early May and limits most rental increases to 10% this year, with manufactured homes capped at 5%.

    The landlords had informed tenants of rent hikes that would exceed the new maximums before the law took effect, but these increases were tied to leases renewing after the law's implementation. The attorney general notified them that their rent hikes were illegal and all rescinded them, refunding any payments made under the unlawful increases.

    Over 250 renters are affected by the enforcement actions. The cap will be set at 9.683% next year, according to the state Department of Commerce. State Rep. Strom Peterson said the landlords "made mistakes but were able to work with the Attorney General's Office to make it right," and that this is a step towards addressing the housing affordability crisis.

    The law prohibits rent hikes in the first year of tenancy, but allows landlords to set rent freely when tenants move in. Exemptions include new construction for its first 12 years, public housing authorities, low-income developments, and certain types of multi-unit properties where the owner lives on-site. Tenants who believe their landlord has violated the law can file a complaint with the attorney general's office or bring their own legal action.