Find the latest summaries and policy updates for all multifamily housing regulations and policies.
On April 24, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published the 2019 Median Income schedules which set limits for certain housing assistance programs in the country. For Washington, "Median Income" increased 6.4% from $81,100 to $86,300 per year. HUD has published... Continue Reading
Wednesday, April 17, marks the final day the legislature may consider a proposal from the opposite house. The remaining time is devoted to concurrence votes (more below) and items that are necessary to implement the budget (taxes). Last week was busy for the legislature, passing a number of... Continue Reading
The Democratic Party may have the majority in both chambers of the Washington State Legislature, but their proposed Biennium Operating Budgets couldn’t be more different. Now the question has been raised: are we going into a special session? The main difference between the two budgets?... Continue Reading
March 13 marks the last day the house of origin (the House of Representatives or Senate) may consider any bill introduced in the respective chamber in the 2019 legislative session, with exceptions. Generally speaking, if a bill has not been voted on by the full chamber of origin, it is considered... Continue Reading
Those of us who are old enough remember the famous Schoolhouse Rock animation of “I’m Just A Bill”. That video certainly motivated young children to ask their parents or teachers questions about how a bill becomes law. That civics lesson would be an important and timely lesson... Continue Reading
Friday, February 22 marked the first policy cut off in the State Legislature. Any policy that was not voted out of its committee of origin is considered dead for this session. However, any proposal that was voted out of its committee of origin will receive further consideration in one of two... Continue Reading
Beginning Friday, February 1, new landlord-tenant laws take effect for properties in the City of Tacoma only. Jump to Information required at the initiation of the tenancy, and Information and notice requirements to terminate a tenancy. A copy of the ordinance can be found here. First, all... Continue Reading
As the government shutdown continues to drag on into the second month, there is a lot of media attention directed at the government's ability to continue funding housing programs. Particularly of interest is Project-Based Section 8 and Tenant-Based Section 8 for federal employees who continue to... Continue Reading
Tacoma's Rental Housing Code Effective February 1, 2019 On November 20, Tacoma City Council passed an ordinance which creates specific renter protections for renters in the City of Tacoma. The law applies to properties in the City of Tacoma only. The majority of the new law becomes effective... Continue Reading
After seven months of negotiations, the Tacoma City Council passed a Rental Housing Code on the evening of 11/20/18. The majority of the new laws become effective February 1, 2019, however, the Council passed an amendment speeding up the effective date of notice of rent increases. Beginning... Continue Reading
Tonight, the Federal Way City Council will consider new sizable fees on multifamily developments, including those that offer on-site accessory parking or storage units to residents. Added fees are impediments to housing affordability. The city already assesses astronomical impact fees to... Continue Reading
We heard California residents loud and clear defeat Proposition 10 62% to 38%. Prop. 10 would have overturned the state’s Costa Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which bans local governments from imposing rent control on any apartment built since 1995. The act also bans rent control on any... Continue Reading
