Rental Increase Question

[Ted Klein]

I have two fantastic long term tenants that I'd like to keep. Both always pay on time and take great care of the place. I thought that the proper notification of a rent increase was only 60 days notice, however, I researched the Washington State Law and I see that the law is actually 90 days notice required. My problem is that the current lease expires on July 31st which is currently only 77 days before expiration of their current lease.

I intend to send the notification of increase with a 90 day notification but I need advice on my three options:

1. Explain to my tenants my mistake of the 90 day notice and ask them if they would still renew with only 60 days notice and then give them the first month of the lease term at the current rental rate? This would be written into the lease agreement like a discounted rate for the first month.
2. Let their current lease expire with a  Month to Month agreement for 30 days and then have the new lease set to start on September 1st.
3. Should I write a lease agreement for 30 days and then another one for a year starting in September?

I want to ensure I stay within the law, but I also like my leases starting in the summer. It seems the most logical is to go with option 1 or 2. I like option one the best, option two has more risk, but as I said, both are outstanding tenants and I wouldn't expect any issues in 30 days, but... you never know.

Thanks in Advance

[Ted Klein]

@Bill B. @Kenneth Garrett

@Will C. @Theresa Harris @Sylvia B. @John Barrett

@Ned J. Thanks to all for all of the good comments and recommendations. Following up on and  the @Sen A. comment to discuss this with a lawyer before taking any action proved to be the most helpful. I had searched the Washington State Legislature website for "Rental Increase" and found what I thought was the correct description of the current law. After consulting with my attorney, he was quick to inform me that the section I referenced above pertained to Mobile Homes and not Residential Property. He also informed me that the required notice was only 30 days so I am well within the required notification limits.

This goes to show that a quick Google search isn't always going to get the correct answer and that a thorough understanding of the law is paramount to making the correct decisions in this business.

Thanks to all for your input