Gov. Ferguson signs rent stabilization bill into law

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson enacted HB 1217, a rent stabilization bill that limits annual rent increases to 7% plus inflation or a maximum of 10%, whichever is lower. The law also caps rent increases on mobile or manufactured homes at 5% per year. Notably, landlords cannot raise rents during the first year of a lease and must provide tenants with 90 days' notice before implementing any increases. The original bill capped rent increases at 7%, but a Senate amendment introduced the inflation clause. Additionally, single-family homes are excluded from the rent cap through another amendment.

Beginning June 1, the Department of Commerce will determine the allowable rent increase percentage each year. This legislation aims to protect tenants from excessive rent hikes amid rising living costs. Advocates argue that the law will provide essential stability for renters in an increasingly expensive housing market.