Spokane landlords soon required to give four to six months notice for rent increases

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Starting in June, Spokane landlords will be required to give six months notice for rent increases above three percent.

Spokane City Council passed the measure on Monday evening, also requiring landlords give four months notice for rent increases of three percent or less.

The new rule is giving many renters a greater peace of mind.

"It just gives you ample time to make adjustments," said Spokane renter and college student, Kirsten Taylor. "Whether it's budgeting or finding new places to rent within the budget you do have."

The local branch of The Tenants Union of Washington has advocated for this type of legislation for a while, and they are happy to see it finally pass.

"Having that peace of mind, for a lot of tenants in Spokane, is to know that they won't be homeless in two month," said Terri Anderson of Tenants Union.

The ordinance was written by City Councilmember Paul Dillon who said it leveled the playing field for renters.

"When I was a tenant, I had to move because my rent increased and I really had to scramble to find a place to live," said Councilmember Dillon.

Many landlords in the area, however, are worried about the ordinance.

"At the end of the day, it really does affect rental housing providers ability to respond to the market. Costs have gone up immensely," said Daniel Klemme of Rental Housing Association of Washington.

The city is also working on a housing registry to show how many units in Spokane are actually available for rent.

The rent increase notice requirement will go into effect June 1.

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