OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Several landlords have been penalized for not complying with the state’s new rent stabilization law.

Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown announced on Wednesday that his office has fined eight landlords $2,000 each for violating the law.

The landlords own properties across the state, spanning from Kennewick and Yakima to Vancouver and Port Angeles.

Each one agreed to withdraw the rent increase notices they sent out and refunded any excess rent amounts they charged to tenants.

Brown says his enforcement actions covered over 250 households.

“Our office will do all it can to address the housing challenges impacting Washingtonians across the state,” Brown said. “Protecting tenants under this new law is one piece of the work we’re doing to ensure more people have safe, affordable places to live.” 

The state’s new law took effect in May and prevents landlords from raising annual rent more than 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower. Rents on mobile or manufactured homes is capped at 5% per year.

If you think you’ve been subjected to an illegal rent increase, you can find out how to file a complaint here.