Context:

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has enacted a landmark rent-control bill, making Washington one of the few states to implement such tenant protections. House Bill 1217, sponsored by Senator Emily Alvarado, aims to prevent excessive rent hikes by capping increases at 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower, and includes single-family homes. The bill faced opposition and amendments that temporarily delayed its passage, but ultimately, it was passed with strong advocacy support. Opponents voiced concerns that similar measures in Oregon and California have strained financial resources and failed to alleviate homelessness. Alongside this bill, Ferguson also signed nine additional laws to further assist homeowners and renters, addressing issues like rental agreements and tax relief for disabled veterans, aligning with his campaign's focus on affordable housing.

Dive Deeper:

• Washington has become one of the first states to enforce rent-control laws, joining Oregon and California, in a bid to protect tenants from excessive rent increases and curb homelessness.

• The legislation, House Bill 1217, was championed by Senator Emily Alvarado, who emphasized that housing is a fundamental human need, and the bill sets limits on rent increases to ensure stability for families and older adults.

• The measure caps rent increases at 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower, and specifically includes single-family homes in its provisions, while manufactured homes have a 5% cap.

• Initially, the bill faced strong opposition and amendments that raised the cap to 10% plus inflation and exempted single-family homes, but these changes were reversed in the conference committee.

• Critics argue that the bill could deter developers from investing in the state, citing Oregon and California as examples where similar policies have not effectively addressed homelessness and have increased financial burdens.

• Governor Ferguson signed the bill into law, highlighting it as a critical step towards addressing the state's housing challenges, alongside nine other supportive measures aimed at improving housing affordability and security.

• The additional laws include provisions that limit certain rental agreement terms, provide notices for mobile home communities, and offer property tax relief for disabled veterans, reflecting Ferguson's campaign promise to prioritize affordable housing.