Spokane Renter Rights and Resources

Spokane Tenant Protections - Tenants and advocates have fought for tenant protections that keep tenants and housing safe!

Thanks to tenant advocates and allies, Spokane city council passed vital landlord-tenant ordinances in 2023 and 2024!

Spokane passed Ordinance No. C-36330 requiring landlords to register long-term rental properties. This ordinance includes funding for code enforcement officers, tenant relocation services, and related initiatives. Ordinance No. C-36366 established a background/credit check program, enforcement mechanisms, tenant funds, and city regulations. Landlords in Spokane must now register their properties or face violations from Code Enforcement.

Spokane Rental Registry: If you have concerns about the habitability of your home or questions about rental registry, go to Code Enforcement - City of Spokane, Washington or email [email protected].

Spokane Rent Increases and Rule Changes

• NEW IN 2024 ** Spokane Ordinance C36515 -

  • The rule applies to longer-term and month-to-month leases and takes effect June 1st 2024

  • The amended notice period now indicates that a landlord may not increase rental rates except in accordance with the following:
    • Any rental agreement or renewal of a rental agreement entered after the effective date of this ordinance shall include, or shall be deemed to include, a provision requiring not less than:

      • 120 days written notice for rent increases equal to or less than 3% or

      • 180 days written notice for rent increases greater than 3% percent.

      • In a subsidized tenancy where the amount of rent is based on the tenant's income or circumstances specific to the subsidized household, the rental agreement shall instead provide at least 30 days’ prior written notice of an increase in the amount of rent to each affected tenant.

      • Any notice of residential rent increase shall specify the percentage of the rent increase, the amount of the new rent, and the date on which the increase becomes effective.

      • Any notice of a residential rent increase shall be served in accordance with RCW 59.12.040.

      • For purposes of this section, the term “rent” shall have the meaning set forth in RCW 59.18.030 (29), as amended from time to time.

Spokane Resources

• Tenants Union of Washington- Spokane Facebook page - if you want to stay in touch with the Tenants’ Union of Washington in Spokane, please follow us on Facebook. Contact the Spokane office at [email protected] and request to join the Tenant Leader Facebook Messenger group chat.

• SNAP (Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners) is the local and regional advocate for the most vulnerable people living within our community. Assists individuals who are unhoused find housing and pay move-in costs.

• Catholic Charities Eastern Washington assists families with children who are unhoused find housing and pay move-in costs.

• Northwest Fair Housing Alliance Investigate Housing discrimination based on race, religion, creed, age, sexual orientation, gender, family status or veteran status.

• Washington State Human Rights Commission investigates complaints and issues penalties for housing discrimination.

• Code Enforcement - City of Spokane, Washington Enforces the Spokane Housing Condition Maintenance Code, issues notices of violation to landlords and property owners

• CLEAR Hotline for legal aid at 1-888-201-1014 weekdays between 9:15 am - 12:15 pm. Seniors (age 60 and above) can also call CLEAR*Sr at 1-888-387-7111 (statewide)

  • If you are facing eviction - Call 1-855-657-8387