Washington State officially implements rent control.
On Wednesday, Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1217, which limits rent increases For numerous tenants within the state, the legislation came into force right away.
For the majority of tenants, rent hikes will be limited to either 7% (adjusted for inflation) or 10%, with the smaller figure being applicable. The precise limit will be determined by Washington every June.
Rental hikes for mobile or manufactured homes will be limited to 5%.
Landlords will be prohibited from increasing rent for the initial 12-month period after a new tenant moves into the property.
Many exceptions exist, such as recently constructed buildings (under 12 years old), certain owner-occupied residences, and low-income housing units.
It's truly a blessing," stated Bremerton tenant Sara Eubank. "We are all incredibly thankful. The struggle of surviving on fixed incomes, dealing with health problems, and everything else can be unimaginable.
Landlords and rental housing associations informed KIRO 7 that they had concerns regarding adherence to the new regulation, as it went into effect right away.
"There are more uncertainties than certainties at this stage," stated Sean Flynn, who serves as the President & Executive Director of the Rental Housing Association of Washington.
One uncertainty is what the impending limit on rent increases will be.
Starting from June 1, 2025, and every subsequent year, the state’s Department of Commerce will determine the highest possible percentage for yearly rent increases.
Until that point, Flynn mentioned that landlords remain unaware whether their present or future rental hikes adhere to regulations.
Gordon Haggerty has a single six-unit property in Eastlake. He is worried about the increased liability the new law introduces.
For smaller providers without a legal team, we're increasingly vulnerable to these issues," he stated. "Many might conclude that it's simply not worth engaging with this at all.
KIRO 7 contacted the Governor’s office for additional information regarding these issues and is currently waiting for their reply.
Additional information about the legislation can be obtained. here .
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