Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Washington House Bill HB1217

Introduced
1/13/25  
Refer
1/13/25  
Report Pass
1/20/25  
Refer
1/24/25  
Report Pass
2/10/25  
Refer
2/13/25  
Engrossed
3/10/25  
Refer
3/12/25  
Report Pass
3/26/25  
Refer
3/27/25  
Report Pass
4/7/25  
Enrolled
4/27/25  
Chaptered
5/7/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

The implications of HB 1217 include a significant shift in how landlords can operate under the residential landlord-tenant regulations. By establishing a landlord resource center and providing associated services, the bill aims not only to guide landlords but also to support tenants who may find themselves in disputes or need legal assistance. Furthermore, by allowing the Attorney General's office to enforce provisions of the bill, the legislation intends to strengthen tenant protections and ensure compliance among landlords who may otherwise exploit loopholes in existing laws.

Summary

House Bill 1217 seeks to improve housing stability for tenants by imposing limitations on rent and fee increases within the purview of the residential landlord-tenant act, as well as the manufactured and mobile home landlord-tenant act. The bill mandates that landlords provide prior notice of any rent and fee increases, thereby offering tenants some predictability and stability in their housing costs. Additionally, the legislation aims to limit the amount of fees and deposits that landlords can charge, ensuring that housing remains more accessible to tenants across the state.

Contention

While the bill is designed with tenant protections in mind, it has been met with contention from landlord associations who argue that such measures could disincentivize investment in rental properties, ultimately affecting housing availability. Critics of the proposed bill express concerns that too much regulation may hamper the ability of landlords to maintain their properties effectively and could lead to a decline in the quality of rental housing options. Supporters, on the other hand, argue that the bill is necessary to protect vulnerable tenants from rapidly rising housing costs and unfair eviction practices.

Companion Bills

WA SB5222

Crossfiled 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.

Previously Filed As

WA HB2114

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 SB5961

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 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 HB1124

Protecting tenants from excessive rent and related fees by providing at least six months' notice for rent increases over a certain amount, allowing tenants the right to terminate a tenancy without penalty, and limiting late fees.

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 SB6211

Creating clarity and consistency in rental agreements under the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act.

WA HB1070

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 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 HB2345

Preparing for revisions to the residential landlord-tenant act.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.