Washington governor signs rent-control bill into law

Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson made history on Wednesday by signing a bill into law that imposes limits on rent increases, making Washington one of the first states in the nation to provide protections for tenants.

The new rent stabilization measure, known as House Bill 1217, puts Washington in line with states like Oregon and California that have taken steps to address homelessness. Senator Emily Alvarado, a Democrat from West Seattle and the bill’s sponsor, emphasized that the measure is designed to prevent hardworking families and older adults from facing unreasonable rent hikes.

The legislation sets a cap on rent increases at 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower. This cap applies to single-family homes as well. For manufactured homes, the rent increase limit is set at 5%. The bill passed with a 54-44 vote in the legislature, with some Democrats crossing party lines to join the Republican opposition.

Governor Ferguson commended Senator Alvarado and the advocates who worked tirelessly to pass the bill. The road to passing the legislation was not without its challenges, as amendments on the Senate floor led to the bill being sent to a conference committee. Critics of the bill argued that similar policies in Oregon and California had negative financial implications and did not effectively address homelessness.

The conference committee ultimately revised the cap to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower, and reinstated protections for renters in single-family homes. With Governor Ferguson’s signature, the bill has now become law.

Senator Alvarado expressed that the new law is a crucial step towards providing stability and affordability for renters in Washington. Governor Ferguson also signed nine additional bills aimed at assisting homeowners and renters, reflecting the state’s commitment to addressing the affordable housing crisis.

By signing these bills into law, Governor Ferguson hopes to make affordable housing a top priority in Washington. The additional measures include limits on rental agreements, notices for mobile home communities, and property tax relief for disabled veterans.

Overall, the passage of these bills marks a significant milestone in Washington’s efforts to ensure access to stable and affordable housing for all residents.