On August 31, 2026, Governor Ferguson issued an amended emergency proclamation placing a moratorium on certain conduct related to evictions in Washington. The amended proclamation prohibits landlords from taking possession of an “abandoned” property through the end of September if the residents had to leave because of the fires. These renter protections apply in Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Grant, Kittitas, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens, Whitman, and Yakima counties, as well as the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Spokane Tribe of Indians land.
Washingtonians across the state are also sheltering displaced family members or friends. Through the end of September, landlords anywhere in the state are prohibited from evicting their tenants for hosting people and their pets who have been displaced by the wildfires.
For complaints about actions against renters or manufactured home owners in violation of the Governor’s moratorium on certain residential evictions during the wildfires emergency, fill out the online complaint form:
English: Wildfire Eviction Moratorium Complaint Form
Spanish: Formulario de Queja Bajo la Suspensión de Desalojos por Incendios Forestales
Questions may also be directed to WildfireEvictions@atg.wa.gov or by calling us at (360) 633-8915.
Washington’s Rent Stabilization Law
On May 7, 2025, a rent stabilization law (HB 1217) went into effect in Washington state.
The law sets a limit on how much a landlord may increase a tenant’s rent over a 12-month period. The Attorney General’s Office will enforce the law, and tenants may also take action to protect their rights under the new statute.
The law says: