Washington House Passes Rent Cap, Senate Review Next

The Washington state House has passed House Bill 1217, capping annual rent increases at 7%, with a vote of 53-42. The bill, now headed to the Senate, requires landlords to provide a 90-day notice before any rent increase and includes exemptions for newer buildings and certain owner-occupied triplexes and fourplexes. The proposal allows tenants or the attorney general to sue for non-compliance and has sparked debate on its potential to deter housing development. Supporters argue the bill offers a balanced approach to stabilize rent costs and provide predictability for tenants. Critics, however, express concerns about its long-term impact on housing supply and development costs. The bill also includes provisions for manufactured home fees and an emergency clause for immediate effect if signed into law.