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Raising Rent Higher Than Income??

When I moved in this studio apt. 4 1/2 years ago, I was fine and had a job.

2 Years ago I got sick and for the past year and a half:
*I have been out of a job
*On a very limited income
*Seeing doctors
*Staying home (exception of doctors)

My landlord knows of my situation.

I've never hid anything from him. When he suggested HUD I even told him when I signed up for it and that I am on the waiting list.

Now, out of the blue he raised my rent - to more than what my income is.

I'm not going to say he is the greatest landlord in the world... he's not as bad as some I've heard about.

He once threatened me with a Late Fee for having to show up and fix my sink once (it just burst about 9pm at night as I was heading for bed - water everywhere) ... but it was just a threat.

And usually it takes him days maybe weeks to get back to me on repairs - but I try not to complain if it isn't repairs needed immediately.

I know he had thought my friend was living here last year - but I tried to show him/tell him and prove to him that friend was not. I live alone. I found out later, my ex boyfriend (the one who originally signed the lease with me) was jealous) and was trying to get me kicked out. - Nice ex boyfriend huh? (and it was just a friend who was visiting my house (daylight hours) - except one night when we watched movies till we passed out.)

The landlord knew when I was raped. not here - he read about it in the paper though - and came to see how I was doing. He knew when my ex moved out. Like I said - I don't hide anything from him.

My question really is ... in Washington State can he raise the rent higher than the tenants income knowingly? - He knows how much I get monthly -