Washington State House Democrats have reintroduced a bill aimed at stabilizing rent prices and enhancing tenant protections. The bill, HB 1217, seeks to cap annual rent increases at 5% statewide and implements various measures to safeguard tenants from unfair rent hikes and eviction.
In one of its first actions of the 2025 legislative session on Monday, Washington State House Democrats have reintroduced an attempt at rent stabilization. The proposed bill, HB 1217 , aims to cap annual rent increases at 5% statewide. It also prohibits any rent or fee hikes during the first 12 months of tenancy, regardless of lease length or type.
Beyond rent caps, HB 1217 seeks to strengthen tenant protections by: mandating extended notice periods for rent and fee increases, limiting move-in fees and security deposits to one month's rent, capping late fees at 1.5% of the tenant's monthly rent, and allowing tenants to terminate leases without penalties if landlords unlawfully increase rents beyond the stipulated limits. The bill also proposes establishing an online landlord resource center and commissioning a social vulnerability assessment to evaluate the impacts of rent stabilization.Proponents argue that rent stabilization is crucial to shield tenants from exorbitant rent hikes and housing insecurity, particularly in a state facing a growing affordability crisis. Conversely, opponents contend that rent control can discourage investment in housing, diminish the quality and quantity of available rental units, and exacerbate housing shortages. Historically, Washington has struggled with rent control legislation. In 1981, the state enacted a statewide ban on rent control. Despite this prohibition, there have been numerous attempts to introduce rent stabilization measures.
Housing RENT STABILIZATION TENANT PROTECTIONS WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE HB 1217 HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
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