Find the latest summaries and policy updates for all multifamily housing regulations and policies.
The State legislative session concluded in the late hours of March 8 and for the first time in five years lawmakers did not enter a special session to complete its business. In total, legislators introduced 1,425 distinct legislative proposals. Of that number, 310 passed both the House and... Continue Reading
On Wednesday, March 28, Seattle's First-in-Time law was struck down by a King County Superior Court Judge Suzanne Parisien. The law, passed in 2016, required housing providers to provide direct links to screening criteria on all websites advertising available units, provide additional time to... Continue Reading
The City of Kent recently passed an ordinance creating a rental registration and inspection program to identify and inspect basic health and safety issues. in rental housing The law itself becomes effective April 18, however implementation of the program will begin this summer. The process... Continue Reading
After receiving a report from the University of Washington Associated Student Body regarding websites that provide rent bidding services, the Seattle City Council moved to place a moratorium on the use of such services for two years. The moratorium, which becomes effective 30 days after the Mayor... Continue Reading
The Washington Multi-Family Housing Association (WMFHA) welcomes the passage of Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 2578 establishing statewide source of income protections, and creating the Landlord Mitigation Fund in statute. The new law, which will take effect September 30, decreases the... Continue Reading
The City of Bellingham recently passed a law creating additional tenant protections for residents living in rental properties. The law affects all multifamily rental properties within the city limits of Bellingham. Click links below to learn more about each of the tenant protections passed by... Continue Reading
It’s the bottom of the 9th inning in Olympia this week. Thursday, March 8 marks the end of the 2018 regular session. Recall last year, the end of the regular session was followed by two special sessions. A repeat of last year seems unlikely this year. Friday marked the last day either... Continue Reading
It's the beginning of March Madness in the Legislature. By Friday, March 2, all legislation must be passed out of the opposite house from where it originated. The Notice of Termination bill is 'dead' this session, but source of income remains alive. Find out more about these bills and what... Continue Reading
Last week marked the ‘half way point’ in the legislative session. February 14 was the last day any bill could receive consideration in its house of origin. If a bill did not receive a vote on the House or Senate floor by the 14th, it is considered 'dead' for the 2018 legislative... Continue Reading
The City of Seattle’s Fair Chance Housing ordinance took effect Monday, February 19, 2018. With the city of Seattle limts, the use of arrest records, criminal conviction records and/or criminal history in tenant screening is prohibited, except for information contained in a local, state... Continue Reading
On Friday both the House and Senate voted on and passed amended source of income proposals. Wednesday, February 14, marks the final day the Chamber of origin can vote on and pass legislation before it dies. Read more about Source of Income and efforts by our colleagues at NAA to pass Federal... Continue Reading
A few things lived and a few things died. This week was the policy cut off for both the House and Senate. This means that if a bill did not receive a vote in its policy committee, it is considered dead for the session. All legislation that remains alive must be voted out of the Chamber of... Continue Reading
