Who is responsible for repairs, tenant or landlord in Seattle?

In Seattle, landlords are generally responsible for maintaining rental properties and making necessary repairs, while tenants must cover damage they cause beyond normal wear and tear.

Can a landlord make a tenant pay for repairs in Seattle?

A Seattle landlord can require a tenant to pay for repairs only if the tenant caused the damage through negligence or misuse.

Do Seattle landlords have to pay for an alternative accommodation during repairs?

Seattle landlords may be required to pay for alternative housing if repairs make the unit uninhabitable, depending on the cause and duration of the issue.

What is normal wear and tear in Seattle?

Normal wear and tear in Seattle includes minor issues from everyday use, like faded paint or worn carpet, not damages like large holes in walls or broken fixtures.

Is Now the Right Time to Raise Rent? A Landlord Guide

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Written by Christi Lagasse

Director of Growth at SJA

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Property Management | Rental Property | Washington State

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You’ve owned your rental for a while now. Maybe you’ve had the same tenant for years. Things have been smooth — they pay on time, don’t cause issues, and the rent’s been coming in steadily.
But recently, you’ve started to wonder… Is it time to raise the rent?

It’s a fair question. Operating costs are climbing. Property taxes, insurance premiums, utility expenses, and maintenance fees — they all continue to rise. And while you’ve focused on keeping your tenants happy (which is important), your own profit margins may have quietly shrunk. If you haven’t reviewed your pricing in a while, it’s worth a closer look.

At SJA Property Management, we work with landlords across Bellevue, Redmond, and Kirkland — many of whom are navigating this exact dilemma. Here’s our honest, experience-based take.

Key Takeaways:

The Eastside rental market is strong — Bellevue, Redmond, and Kirkland continue to see high demand in 2025.
If your rent hasn’t increased in 18–24 months, you’re likely under market.
Rising costs (taxes, maintenance, inflation) may require modest rent adjustments to maintain your margins.
Great tenants are worth keeping — sometimes a smaller increase is better than risking turnover.
Legal compliance is essential — Washington requires 60 days’ written notice before any rent increase.
Don’t guess the price — market research, comps, and timing matter.
Property condition matters — updates help justify and support rent increases.
Communication is key — clarity, fairness, and professionalism protect your tenant relationships.
SJA Property Management can handle all of it for you — from pricing strategy and tenant notices to lease renewals and improvements.

What the Eastside Rental Market Looks Like in 2025

Right now, the demand is strong — and growing. Tech companies like Microsoft and Google continue hiring, drawing talent to the Eastside. Families are choosing Bellevue and Kirkland for top-rated schools. Remote and hybrid workers are prioritizing peace, privacy, and neighborhood amenities over city commutes.

Units with modern finishes, pet-friendly amenities, and proximity to parks and transit are fetching higher rents. If your rental hasn’t been adjusted since 2021 or early 2022, you’re probably leaving money on the table — and not by a small margin.

Not sure where your pricing stands? We offer free, no-obligation custom free custom rent analysis tailored to your property, neighborhood, and condition.

Why Raise Rent in 2025?

1. Because Your Costs Have Gone Up
Let’s face it — everything costs more in 2025. Inflation, materials, labor, taxes, HOA fees, and insurance premiums have all risen. Even something as basic as landscaping now eats a larger slice of your budget. These increases chip away at your profits month after month.

2. Because You’re Way Below Market
We often meet owners charging 2021 rates for well-located, well-maintained homes. Why? They didn’t want to disrupt a good relationship with tenants. But long-term underpricing doesn’t always build loyalty — and can send the wrong message about value.

Even a modest $150/month increase equates to $1,800 a year. That could fund future upgrades, boost your emergency fund, or offset rising costs without impacting your tenants drastically.

When Not to Raise Rent (Yet)

We’re not here to push every landlord into a price hike. Sometimes, holding steady is the smarter move.

1. You’ve Got a Stellar Long-Term Tenant
If your tenant consistently pays on time, maintains the property, and communicates well, they’re an asset. A small increase — or waiting until renewal — may better support long-term retention. Losing a great tenant to a poorly timed hike can cost more than any bump in rent.

2. Your Unit Needs TLC
If your rental shows its age — faded paint, outdated fixtures, or stained carpets — a rent increase may backfire. Consider targeted, cost-effective improvements first. These upgrades can help justify a higher price, attract higher-quality tenants, and reduce vacancy risks.

Looking for help with cost-effective upgrades? We can help with that too.

How to Raise Rent — The Right Way

1. Follow Washington’s Rules

In Bellevue, Redmond, and Kirkland, landlords are required to give tenants 60 days written notice before raising rent — whether the tenant is month-to-month or on a lease renewal. Notices must be clear, timely, and legally compliant.

2. Don’t Guess the New Price

Guesswork doesn’t cut it. Online listings are helpful but not comprehensive. At SJA, we use:

✔️ Current comps in your neighborhood
✔️ Seasonal trends
✔️ Property condition & features
✔️ Tenant quality & turnover risk

The goal: set a rate that’s competitive, justified, and sustainable.

Get your personalized rent analysis here.

3. Communicate With Care

Nobody loves hearing about a rent increase. But a well-timed conversation with clear reasoning goes a long way.

Let them know:

What the new rate will be
When the change takes effect
Why the increase is happening (rising costs, market shifts, property upgrades, etc.)
What’s being offered in return (e.g., renewal flexibility, bonus incentives, improved amenities)

So... How Much Should You Raise It?

While every case is different, here are general trends we’re seeing in 2025 across the Eastside:

Property Type

Older, unrenovated units

Well-maintained homes

High-demand areas / updated units

Common Range

$75–$150

$150–$250

$250–$400+

Of course, you don’t want to guess here. Use real numbers, real comps, and tailor your increase to the property and tenant. Need help? That’s what we do.

Let’s Do This Right — Together

Raising rent isn’t about squeezing tenants — it’s about sustaining your investment, staying competitive, and adjusting for real costs. But how you do it matters.

Done well, you can:

Retain great tenants
Avoid turnover costs
Boost your cash flow
Prepare for long-term growth

At SJA Property Management, we help Eastside landlords strike the right balance every day. We handle the analysis, notices, communications, and everything in between — so you don’t have to.

Let’s get your property priced right. Schedule your free custom rent analysis today.

Disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney or property management professional for guidance specific to your property.