More than half of Fremont households are renters. If you’re one of them, the City of Seattle wants to make sure you know your rights.
The city published an updated Renter’s Handbook in December 2025, a free guide covering everything from move-in costs to eviction protections. Seattle landlords are required to provide a printed copy when you sign your initial rental agreement. If you never got one, you can download it at seattle.gov/rentinginseattle.
With new apartments going up along Stone Way, and many more to come on N 36th St., Fremont’s renter population is only growing. Whether you’re a new or longtime renter, the handbook is worth a read.
Here are a few highlights Fremont renters should know:
- All housing cost increases require 180 days’ advance notice.
- Washington’s rent stabilization law caps annual increases at 7% plus CPI, with a 10% maximum. No increases are allowed in the first 12 months of tenancy.
- Seattle has banned the use of algorithmic rent-setting software that pulls pricing data from other properties.
- Late fees for rent are capped at $10 per month. Landlords can’t charge fees for preparing or delivering notices.
- Move-in costs (security deposit plus fees) can’t exceed one month’s rent, and you have the right to pay in installments.
- If you’re facing eviction and can’t afford an attorney, city law provides the right to free legal representation.
The handbook is available in 13 languages. For questions, call the Renting in Seattle Helpline at (206) 684-5700 or go to https://seattle.gov/rentinginseattle.
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