Washington now has a 10 cap on rent increases Governor signs stabilization bill co-sponsored by 43rd District Rep. Macri

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed a new rent stabilization law that caps annual rent increases at 7% plus inflation, or a maximum of 10%. This pivotal legislation, co-sponsored by 43rd District Rep. Nicole Macri, aims to tackle the persistent issue of affordable housing in the state. Macri stated that the new law would provide much-needed stability for renters facing escalating costs. The law restricts residential rent hikes for the next 15 years and prohibits landlords from increasing rent during the first year of tenancy.

However, landlords can set rents for new tenants without limitation. The Department of Commerce will calculate the allowable maximum annual rent increase each June. Sawant's previous push for rent control in Seattle ended in 2023 when her proposed "trigger law" failed to pass. The new cap is effective immediately, but a statewide ban on local rent control measures remains in place.