Washington State May Cap Rent Increases at 7 Percent

This week the Washington state House passed a bill that would prevent landlords from increasing a residential tenant’s rent and fees by more than 7 percent per year.

The bill cleared the house with a 53-42 vote, with five Democrats and 37 Republicans voting in opposition. If it is cleared by the senate, it would also instate a mandatory 90 days’ notice period for any rent increase as well as a rule preventing landlords from charging more than 5 percent difference in rent from similar leased units.

“Supporters argue that stabilizing rents will provide people with predictability in their expenses to help them stay in their housing and avoid homelessness,” wrote Jerry Cornfield, reporting on House Bill 1217 for the Washington State Standard. Cornfield quoted Rep. Strom Peterson, D-Edmonds, chair of the House Housing Committee, saying that some Washington renters are currently facing 20-50 percent increases.

“Opponents say the bill will hurt small landlords and owners of older buildings who will not be able to keep up with inflationary costs for maintenance and other expenses if rents are limited. It also will deter construction of new apartments and multi-family complexes, critics argue,” Cornfield reported.