Are there restrictions on how much I can charge for utilities in my condo unit?

Yes, there are restrictions on how much you can charge for utilities in your condo unit in Washington. Under state law, the amount that owners and tenants can be charged for utilities must be reasonable and based on the actual cost of providing that service. The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) sets maximum rates for certain types of service, such as electric and gas. For example, the UTC has set a maximum rate of 8 cents per kilowatt-hour for electricity and a maximum rate of 6.8 cents per therm for natural gas. If you are charging more than this, you may be in violation of state law. Additionally, the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act requires that landlords, including condo owners, must provide all necessary utilities. This means that even if you are not charging tenants for utilities, you must still provide them. It is important to note that these laws and regulations can change, so it is always important to check with the UTC and local and state officials before implementing any changes to utility rates. Ultimately, you should always ensure that the amount you are charging your tenants is fair and reasonable.

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