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Spokane Tenant Protection Update
Spokane Tenant Protection Update

Due to the effort of WMFHA, RHA, Spokane Realtors, Landlord Association – Inland NW, and many individual members, the Spokane City Council originally delayed passage of tenant protection ordinance 36330 from December 5, 2022 to January 23, 2023 in order to have stakeholder meetings and a... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted01/28/2023


The Right Solution... Create More Housing
The Right Solution... Create More Housing

We don’t have a rent problem; we have a supply problem. Due to decades of increasing regulation, artificially constrained land supply and ever-increasing inefficiencies in permitting, the creation of units has not kept up with demand. In fact, the WA Dept of Commerce recently estimated that... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted01/28/2023


Tenant Protections by Another Name…. In the Legislature
Tenant Protections by Another Name…. In the Legislature

Although less onerous, but still very detrimental to our industry, several “tenant protection” bills have also been filed with some already having been heard and moved out of committee. HB 1074 (Moved out of Housing Committee on a party line vote after amendment to statute of... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted01/28/2023


This is our Red Dawn - Rent Control in the Legislature
This is our Red Dawn - Rent Control in the Legislature

As you are probably aware there are several bills that although euphemistically labeled “Rent Stabilization” are, in fact, rent control. Three bills, HB 1388, HB 1389, and SB 5435 all attempt to create a statewide cap on rent increase. HB 1625 and SB 5615, the nuclear option, would... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted01/28/2023


Seattle Special Election Feb. 14 - Initiative Measure No. 135
Seattle Special Election Feb. 14 - Initiative Measure No. 135

This measure would create the “Seattle Social Housing Developer” as a public development authority (PDA) to develop, own and maintain social housing in Seattle, with all the powers available to PDAs under local and state law. Social housing means publicly owned and financed... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted01/28/2023


White House Unveils Tenant Protections Without Progressive Wish List
White House Unveils Tenant Protections Without Progressive Wish List

On Januarary 25, the White House announced a new plan to protect renters and promote affordability. NAA participated in a White House call previewing the Administration’s blueprint for advancing a “renter’s bill of rights,” an explicit campaign promise from President... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted01/28/2023


Sawant Offers Late Fee Restriction Proposal, Hints at a Ban on Background Checks
Sawant Offers Late Fee Restriction Proposal, Hints at a Ban on Background Checks

Although, now officially a lame duck, Seattle City Council Member Kshama Sawant led a discussion on legislation limiting late fees at the January 20 “Sustainability and Renters Rights Committee. (video)” Pointing to a need to protect renters without providing data or even a proposed... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted01/28/2023


HB 1074 - Landlord Damage Claims
HB 1074 - Landlord Damage Claims

Addressing documentation and processes governing landlords' claims for damage to residential premises. Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted01/28/2023


HB 1124 - Residential Rent and Fees
HB 1124 - Residential Rent and Fees

Protecting tenants from excessive rent and related fees by providing at least six months' notice for rent increases over a certain amount, allowing tenants the right to terminate a tenancy without penalty, and limiting late fees. Bill Information Sponsors: Peterson, Fitzgibbon, Taylor, Street,... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted01/28/2023


HB 1388 - Residential Rent Practice (7% Cap)
HB 1388 - Residential Rent Practice (7% Cap)

Protecting tenants by prohibiting predatory residential rent practices and by applying the consumer protection act to the residential landlord-tenant act and the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act. Bill Information Sponsors: Macri, Ramel, Peterson, Thai, Gregerson, Hackney, Ormsby,... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted01/28/2023


HB 1389 - Residential Rent Practices (7% Cap)
HB 1389 - Residential Rent Practices (7% Cap)

Concerning residential rent increases under the residential landlord-tenant act and the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act. Bill Information Sponsors: Ramel, Macri, Peterson, Duerr, Gregerson, Alvarado, Ormsby, Doglio, Riccelli, Cortes, Mena, Thai, Kloba, Bateman, Street, Taylor,... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted01/28/2023


HB 1625 - Rent Controls/Local Government (Removes Preemption)
HB 1625 - Rent Controls/Local Government (Removes Preemption)

Enabling local governments to plan and adopt programs to stabilize and control rents. Bill Information Sponsors: Pollet, Farivar, Chopp, Alvarado, Macri, Doglio, Ramel, Reed, Fosse, Street Status: Referred to (H) Housing What the bill does: Removes statewide preemption on local rental... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted01/28/2023