OLYMPIA — Washington Democrats have agreed on a new rent control proposal, capping annual residential rent increases at 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower. The compromise, announced Thursday, removes a proposed exemption for single-family homes and shortens the exemption period for new constructions from 15 to 12 years. The legislation, House Bill 1217, retains a 15-year sunset clause and could take effect immediately if passed by the House and Senate by Sunday and signed by the governor.
The bill aims to provide renter stability, with Rep. Nicole Macri (D-Seattle) calling it an important protection, though some tenants may want stronger measures. House Housing Committee Chair Strom Peterson (D-Edmonds) described it as “life-changing” for families. Republicans, excluded from negotiations, strongly oppose the cap. Rep. Sam Low (R-Lake Stevens) warned it could be “devastating for our housing providers,” arguing that it may drive builders out of the state and hinder landlords’ ability to cover rising maintenance costs and property taxes, worsening the housing crisis.
Additional provisions include a 12-month rent increase freeze for new tenancies, exemptions for nonprofit-owned buildings and owner-occupied duplexes, triplexes, or fourplexes, and a 5% annual cap for manufactured home tenants. Violations could lead to lawsuits by tenants or the state attorney general.