How can a landlord legally increase the rent on a month-to-month rental agreement?

In Washington state, there are certain legal steps that a landlord must take to increase the rent on a month-to-month rental agreement. First and foremost, the landlord must provide the tenant with a written 30-day notice of a rent increase. This notice should include the amount of the increase, the date it will take effect, and the reasons for it. The landlord must also notify the tenant of the tenant’s right to terminate the agreement if they do not wish to accept the rent increase. Next, the landlord must provide the tenant with a valid reason for the rent increase. This cannot be arbitrary or capricious, and it must be reasonable. Common reasons for a rent increase might include increases in local taxes, increases in maintenance costs, or improvements made to the property. Finally, the landlord must adhere to all local rent control laws. Several cities in Washington state, such as Seattle and Spokane, have rent control laws that limit the frequency and amount of rent increases that landlords may impose on tenants. They also typically require landlords to give tenants a longer notice period for a rent increase. In sum, a landlord in Washington state must provide the tenant with a written 30-day notice of a rent increase, specify a valid reason for the increase, and make sure that it is in compliance with any applicable rent control laws. Failure to do so could result in legal action from the tenant.

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How can a landlord legally increase the rent on a month-to-month rental agreement?

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