Tenant Rights

ver the past several years housing rental fees in East King County have increased, and vacancies for affordable rental housing are at low levels, making it difficult for tenants, especially those with low incomes, to locate affordable rental housing. On November 19, 2024, the Woodinville City Council passed Ordinance 755, creating a new Chapter (8.16) of the Woodinville Municipal Code to adopt tenant protections for Woodinville residents. The ordinance increases notice for rent increases, caps move in fees and deposits and authorizes tenant payment plans. The City Council extended the date the ordinance was effective to April 12, 2025, following comments from property owners.

Notice of Tenant Rights

Pursuant to 8.16.070, landlords are to provide tenants notice of rights. The model notice can be found in the Woodinville Municipal Code: Notice of Tenant Rights - Ch. 8.15. 

Overview of Woodinville Tenant Rights  

A comprehensive list can be found here (Ordinance 755).

  • Requires landlords to provide tenants a notice of their rights under new lease agreements.  
  • Notice of Rent and Fee Increases: Require landlords to provide a minimum of 120 days' written notice of rent and fee increases greater than 3%, and 180-days’ notice of rent and fee increases greater than 10%, except in subsidized housing where rent is set based on the income of the tenant.
  • Right to Privacy: Allow landlords to request but not require a prospective tenant’s social security number as part of the screening process.
  • Notice of Intent for Nonrenewal: Require landlords to provide a minimum of 120 days’ written notice for intent of the landlord to not offer lease renewal opportunity for fixed term leases of six months or longer. 
  • Limits on Move-In Fees: Establish a cap on move-in fees and security deposits of no more than one month's rent except in subsidized tenancies where rent is set based on the income of the tenant.
  • Installments for Move-In Expenses: Allow tenants the right to pay certain upfront fees in an installment plan instead of all at once.

Highlight of Washington Tenant Rights

  • Maintenance: Landlords must maintain the property and make repairs. 
  • Entry: Landlords must give notice at least 2 days before entering the property, except in emergencies. 
  • Discrimination: Tenants are protected from unlawful discrimination. 
  • Security Deposits: Landlords must return the full security deposit or provide a written statement if they keep some or all of it. 
  • Eviction: Tenants can appear at eviction hearings remotely and request a virtual hearing. 
  • Rent Increases: Landlords must provide notice before increasing rent. 

The City of Woodinville will not be the enforcement entity for tenant protections; however, if residents feel their landlord is in violation of the City Ordinance, they can contact Washington Courts Small Claims Court. Small Claims Courts in the State of Washington are designed to be a user-friendly, low-cost way of settling legal disputes up to $10,000 (when brought by a person). 

Resources

Additional information on affordable housing can be found on the ARCH Housing website which is a regional coalition for housing in East King County. The City of Woodinville contributes to this regional coalition.