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| | News from the Washington Landlord Association (PAC) |
| | Legislative Session Updates: SB 5678, SB 5661 (PRO)
The Statewide Harmonization and Housing Task Force bills are up for a hearing TOMORROW, February 14th at 10:30 AM. Provide testimony to offer lawmakers a powerful and constructive alternative to rent control policies! SB 5678 Housing Task Force – PRO Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM on February 14th (Briefing room will open at 9:30 am tomorrow) - Creation of a Task Force to conduct a comprehensive review of landlord-tenant laws
- Comprised of legislators, landlords, tenant advocates, legal experts, housing developers, real estate professionals, and local government representatives.
- This task force will evaluate the impact of the following policies on WA:
- Rent control and stabilization
- Security deposits and fees
- Eviction process and just-cause eviction policies
- Lease compliance and rental registries
- Tenant screening and access to rental housing
- Establishes a Three-Year Moratorium on New Landlord-Tenant Regulations
- Cities, towns, and counties cannot create new ordinances, zoning laws, or policies affecting the landlord-tenant relationship for 36 months after the bill takes effect.
Talking Points: - Ensures a Comprehensive, Thoughtful Review of Landlord-Tenant Laws
- The task force will bring together diverse stakeholders—including landlords, tenants, legal experts, and housing advocates—to study Washington’s rental laws and recommend evidence-based reforms.
- Instead of piecemeal changes at the local level, this bill encourages a statewide, consistent approach to landlord-tenant regulations.
- Promotes Stability and Predictability for Landlords and Tenants
- The three-year moratorium prevents cities and counties from creating conflicting or rapidly changing regulations, which can confuse landlords and tenants alike.
- A uniform, statewide framework ensures that all rental properties operate under the same rules, reducing compliance burdens for landlords and legal uncertainties for tenants.
- Protects Small-Scale Property Owners
- Many small landlords (those renting out 1–4 units) struggle with ever-changing local regulations.
- This bill prevents excessive restrictions that could discourage property owners from renting their homes, helping to preserve rental housing supply.
- Encourages Balanced and Sustainable Housing Policies
- Rather than rushed, reactionary policies, this approach allows for a carefully researched and data-driven strategy.
- The task force will evaluate the effectiveness of different regulations before new laws are enacted, ensuring fairness for both tenants and property owners.
- Prevents Overregulation That Could Worsen the Housing Shortage
Submit Testimony - Sign up to provide virtual testimony, here.
- Submit written testimony, here.
- If you are short on time, you can share your voice with just a few clicks by signing in as PRO.
Read the Bill text SB 5661 Harmonization – PRO Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM on February 14th (Briefing room will open at 9:30 am tomorrow) - Establishes uniformity in landlord-tenant laws across Washington State by preventing local governments from enacting their own rental regulations.
- Declares that rental housing regulations, including rent control and tenant protections, are matters of statewide concern and should be governed only by state law.
- Prohibits cities and counties from enforcing local laws that differ from state-level landlord-tenant regulations.
- Inconsistent local laws create confusion, discourage rental investment, and reduce the supply of affordable housing.
Talking Points: - Ensures uniform rules for landlords and tenants across all cities and counties, reducing legal confusion.
- Prevents restrictive local regulations from discouraging landlords from renting properties, helping to maintain and expand rental housing supply.
- Excessive regulations reduce rental housing stock, leading to higher rents and fewer available units.
- Landlords operating in multiple jurisdictions won’t have to navigate differing local laws, reducing administrative burdens.
- A consistent statewide framework makes Washington’s rental market more stable and predictable for property owners.
- Aligns with statewide efforts to build more housing and ensure rental options for all income levels.
Submit Testimony - Sign up to provide virtual testimony, here.
- Submit written testimony, here.
- If you are short on time, you can share your voice with just a few clicks by signing in as PRO.
Read the Bill text Read the Bill Report |
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