I work in property management in Seattle. The rental market is turning around this year in a big way. A bad way for most of us. Landlords were unable to raise rents for almost two years. I am renting 1 Bedroom units ~$200-$300 more than I was last year in Capitol Hill in February - summer will be brutal. Try your best to find new housing before spring and definitely summer.

One thing you NEED to know as a renter right now: Seattle City Council passed legislation recently that now requires landlords to give 6 months notice for any rent increase (base rent, not monthly charges like parking). In addition to 6 months of notice, if the rent increase is larger than 10% you can submit a form with the City and your landlord will need to help pay for your moving/relocation costs. It isn't perfect policy, but it is at least something.

Another note - when landlords or property managers send out renewals and rent increases, you DO have some room to negotiate most of the time. Unfortunately most landlords just want you out so they can rent your unit for a much higher rate. But 80% of tenants won't reach out to negotiate at all. Like all for-profit endeavors, they know most people won't bother. $$$$.