Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session

Washington House Bill HB1070

Introduced
1/9/23  
Refer
1/9/23  
Report Pass
1/19/23  
Refer
1/23/23  
Engrossed
1/25/23  
Refer
1/27/23  
Report Pass
2/10/23  
Enrolled
3/31/23  
Chaptered
4/6/23  

Caption

Exempting the sale and leaseback of property by a seller from the residential landlord-tenant act when the seller agrees to a written lease at closing.

Impact

By exempting certain sale and leaseback agreements from the landlord-tenant act, HB 1070 impacts both landlords and tenants by modifying the framework within which these transactions are conducted. This exemption could lead to increased flexibility for property owners and sellers, allowing them to negotiate leaseback terms without the constraints of residential tenancy laws. However, it may also raise concerns among tenant advocates about the need for protective measures that ensure tenants are not unfairly treated in these types of agreements.

Summary

House Bill 1070 seeks to amend state law regarding the sale and leaseback of properties under the jurisdiction of the residential landlord-tenant act. Specifically, the bill provides an exemption for transactions where the seller agrees to a written lease at the time of closing, thereby altering the obligations typically imposed under the current residential tenancy regulations. This change aims to clarify and streamline processes related to property transactions involving leaseback agreements, which could potentially incentivize more such transactions in the real estate market.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 1070 appears to be positive among stakeholders in the real estate sector, who welcome the clarity and potential for increased market activity that the bill promises. Nonetheless, there are apprehensions from tenant rights groups who worry that the bill might foster an environment where tenants could be left with fewer protections. This dichotomy indicates a clear divide in the perspectives of those benefiting from more flexible real estate transactions and those advocating for tenant security.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise from the perceived risks associated with allowing exemptions to the landlord-tenant act. Critics argue that removing certain protections may disproportionately affect vulnerable tenants, as the bill could facilitate less favorable lease agreements that do not adhere to the same regulatory standards typically expected under landlord-tenant laws. The debate on this issue underscores a larger conversation about balancing property owner rights and tenant protections in the evolving real estate landscape.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WA SB5337

Exempting the sale and leaseback of property by a seller from the residential landlord-tenant act when the seller agrees to a written lease at closing.

WA LB1312

Provide for electronic notices by landlords under the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and the Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Act

WA HB1389

Concerning residential rent increases under the residential landlord-tenant act and the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act.

WA SB5435

Concerning residential rent increases under the residential landlord-tenant act and the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act.

WA LB1115

Provide a right to a trial by jury under the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

WA HB1388

Revised for 1st Substitute: Concerning residential rent practices.Original: Protecting tenants by prohibiting predatory residential rent practices and by applying the consumer protection act to the residential landlord-tenant act and the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act.

WA HB1088

Preparing for revisions to the residential landlord-tenant act by creating a task force and establishing a moratorium on new residential landlord-tenant regulations.

WA SB5678

Preparing for revisions to the residential landlord-tenant act by creating a task force and establishing a moratorium on new residential landlord-tenant regulations.

WA HB1217

Improving housing stability for tenants subject to the residential landlord-tenant act and the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act by limiting rent and fee increases, requiring notice of rent and fee increases, limiting fees and deposits, establishing a landlord resource center and associated services, authorizing tenant lease termination, creating parity between lease types, and providing for attorney general enforcement.

WA LB185

Provide for electronic delivery of notices and documents under the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and the Mobile Home Landlord and Tenant Act

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.