Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Washington state has one of the most country’s most expensive rental markets. Our state has grown quickly in recent years, but rental supply has not kept pace. That mismatch between supply and demand drives up costs for renters across the state. Nearly half of Washington renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing.

Excessive rent increases put an intolerable strain on household budgets, forcing people to choose between paying for housing and paying for necessities like food and healthcare. In some cases, massive rent increases force tenants out of their homes altogether with few options besides homelessness.

That is why I voted for rent stabilization. HB 1217 would cap yearly rent increases while still allowing reasonable increases to cover repairs, operating costs, and inflation. This bill strikes a fair balance that works for both renters and landlords. Renters can better predict potential rent-increases and are protected against excessive, destructive, hikes. Landlords maintain the flexibility to adjust rent to cover costs.

The version that passed the Senate caps yearly rent increases at 10% plus year-to-date inflation, as measured on April 1 of that year, following the first 12 months of tenancy for residential renters. For mobile homes and prefabricated homes, the cap is only 5%. This accounts for the fact that tenants often own the home itself – and are responsible for its upkeep – but still pay rent on the property their home is located on. All tenants must receive 90 days’ notice before any rent increase. After a tenant moves out, landlords may adjust rent as they see fit. The bill would also cap late and move-in fees.

Single-family homes are exempt as are any newly constructed buildings for the first 15 years to ensure new development keeps pace with rising demand.

We have made significant progress encouraging investment and development to bring supply and demand back into balance in Washington’s housing market. That effort will take time, and many renters need predictability and stability now. Rent stabilization will offer that, helping to keep housing affordable for tenants across our state.

Sincerely,