House Bill 1217: Rent Stabilization
WA State Legislature Bill Information Page
This proposed legislation addresses housing stability by implementing rent stabilization policies, improving tenant protections, and establishing resources and guidelines for landlords. The bill introduces protections for tenants against arbitrary and excessive charges, limiting the frequency and magnitude of rent and fee increases. The legislation seeks to create more predictable and transparent rental conditions to stabilize the existing housing crisis.
Limits rent and fee increases to no more than 7% per year, with few exceptions.
Advanced notice requirement of 180 days for increases of 3% or more.
Designates tenant protections and provisions for when they’ve been broken.
Provides landlord resources and educational support to better understand compliance and a balanced approach to landlord-tenant rights.
Sponsors
Rep. Alvarado (34th LD), Rep. Macri (43rd LD), Rep. Ramel (40th LD), Rep. Peterson (21st LD), Rep. Berry (36th LD), Rep. Mena (29th LD), Rep. Thai (41st LD), Rep. Reed (36th LD), Rep. Obras (33r LD), Rep. Farivar (46th LD), Rep. Parshley (22nd LD), Rep. Ortiz-Self (21st LD), Rep. Cortes (38th LD), Rep. Rep. Duerr (1st LD), Rep. Street (37th LD), Rep. Berg (44th LD), Rep. Taylor (30th LD), Rep. Fitzgibbon (34th LD), Rep. Doglio (22nd LD), Rep. Timmons (42nd LD), Rep. Tharinger (24th LD), Rep. Fosse (38th LD), Rep. Gregerson (33rd LD), Rep. Simmons (23rd LD), Rep. Wylie (49th LD), Rep. Pollet (46th LD), Rep. Kloba (1st LD), Rep. Nance (23rd LD), Rep. Davis (32nd LD) , Rep. Ormsby (3rd LD), Rep. Lekanoff (40th LD), Rep. Bergquist (11th LD), Rep. Scott (43rd LD), Rep. Stonier (49th LD), Rep. Hill (3rd LD)
Background
WA has had a ban on rent control since 1981, despite many attempts to reverse it. In 2024, a similar bill to this year’s, HB 2114, passed in the House, but it did not advance in the Senate.
FAQs
What are the exceptions?
There are exemptions in the proposed legislation for newly built properties, publically owned and non-profit housing that are regulated by other laws or housing program requirements, and owner-occupied residences.
How does this bill address the housing crisis?
Stabilizing rent increases and reducing excessive and arbitrary fees aims to prevent displacement and keep renters in their homes while promoting fair rental practices.
Does this bill harm landlords and the rental market?
HB 1217 does not harm landlords who engage in ethical and reasonable rental practices. Instead, it promotes a fair and transparent rental market, which benefits both landlords and tenants by fostering stability and reducing disputes.
If you have questions or would like to learn more?
Contact WashingtonCAN’s Political Director