Washington state proposes most restrictive rent control law in last-minute reversal

In the eleventh hour of the legislative session, EHB 1217—the rent stabilization bill—underwent significant changes behind closed doors in a conference committee process. WR has issued a statewide Call For Action to members to urge representatives to reject the Conference Report on EHB 1217.

The last-minute changes to the bill lowered rent-increase caps from 10% to 7% and removed the exemption for non-corporate single-family homes. Seattle King Count REALTORS® (SKCR) reported earlier this month that the Senate had made amendments to HB 1217, making a bad bill better by matching rent stabilization policies in other Western states. Today’s changes erase those amendments, making HB 1217 the most restrictive rent control legislation on the West Coast.

“Sweeping regulations like the legislature’s rent control bill are not good for Washingtonians,” said SKCR President Garrett Nelson. “In a time where families are feeling the most financial squeeze, HB 1217 hits mom-and-pop landlords the hardest.”

If passed, this bill is likely to shrink the availability of rental homes, especially single-family properties, as small landlords leave the rental market, deepening Washington’s already dire housing crisis.

Instead of encouraging more housing options for Washington families, EHB 1217 creates new barriers that will reduce supply and drive up costs long-term. This is the wrong move at the wrong time.

Urge your representative to reject the Conference Report on EHB 1217!