Washington guide · Updated 10/28/2026
What's Included in Assisted Living Rent, and What Costs Extra
Starting rent is rarely the full bill. Here is what Washington communities post about what's included and what's added.
Usually included in rent
- Your apartment and utilities
- Meals (Brookdale's posted rates include dining and housekeeping)
- Housekeeping, activities, some transportation
Usually extra
- Care fees by level, set after an assessment. Posted examples: The Watermark at Bellevue, from $700/mo (assisted living) and $2,100/mo (memory care); The Gardens at Town Square, care plans from $5,010/mo.
- Move-in or community fee (one-time). Ask whether any part is refundable.
- Second-person fee for couples.
- Medication management, incontinence care, escorts — sometimes in the care level, sometimes separate.
- Entrance fee at life-plan communities, e.g. Emerald Heights posts entrance fees from $330,300 plus monthly fees from $4,284.
Get it in writing
Washington law (RCW 70.129.030) requires charges in writing before move-in and 30 days' notice before any change. The state's services form is DSHS 10-351. How to ask.