Bills also include property tax relief for disabled veterans, encouraging “middle housing” construction, and more

SEATTLE — Governor Bob Ferguson today signed a suite of bills that address affordable housing in Washington, culminating in House Bill 1217 to ensure that sudden, large rent increases don’t destabilize Washington families.

The bills, signed today at the Blake House affordable housing high rise in downtown Seattle, cover everything from property tax relief for disabled veterans to encouraging construction of so-called “middle housing” options like condominiums.

“Washington needs more affordable housing — a lot more,” Governor Ferguson said. “We must make it easier, faster and less expensive to build housing of all kinds. These bills will address this pressing need.”

House Bill 1217 limits rent increases for existing tenants in Washington state to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower. Landlords can still adjust rent by higher amounts for new tenants. It also limits rent increases for manufactured homes to 5%.

Sen. Emily Alvarado (D-West Seattle) introduced the bill when she was in the Washington state House, before being appointed to the Senate. The companion bill in the Senate was sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma). Co-sponsor Rep. Nicole Macri (D-Seattle) helped shepherd the bill in the House after Alvarado left for the Senate.

“At a time of economic uncertainty, this common sense guardrail will protect working families and seniors from excessive rent hikes,” Sen. Alvarado said.

“People across the state have been crying out for help — people who can’t afford another rent increase and might be on the verge of homelessness,” Sen. Trudeau said. “At times of economic instability and uncertainty, renters need predictability and stability in their housing costs. Knowing that there’s not a predatory rent increase waiting around the corner lets people plan for their future, invest in their education, start a family or a business, or whatever their dream might be. This is bill is long overdue and I’m so glad to have it signed into law. This is how we truly put people first.”

“The challenge of affordable housing has only increased, despite years of legislative work to expand supply and subsidies provided during and after the pandemic,” Rep. Macri said. “It’s time for stability for renters. We must do more, but in the meantime, this is an incredibly important step forward and will provide renters the predictability that they need to make their household budgets. This is going to make a big difference for families who have been facing year after year of skyrocketing and price gouging rent increases.”

Other housing bills

In addition to HB 1217, Ferguson signed nine other bills related to affordable housing. These bills covered permitting reform, tax incentives, parking restrictions and more. Those bills are:

• House Bill 1106 — allowing more disabled veterans to qualify for property tax relief
• House Bill 1403 — cleaning up language in state law related to condominium construction
• House Bill 1516 — creating additional insurance options for condominiums
• House Bill 1757 — requiring cities to adopt rules for converting existing buildings into housing in commercial and mixed-use zones
• Senate Bill 5184 — Limiting the number of parking spaces cities and counties require for housing projects
• Senate Bill 5298 — Strengthening notification requirements when manufactured and mobile home park land is listed for sale
• Senate Bill 5313 — expanding the list of provisions that are prohibited in residential rental agreements
• Senate Bill 5529 — expanding tax incentives to support affordable housing
• Senate Bill 5611 — reducing housing permit timelines

More information on Governor Ferguson’s bill actions can be found here.