Governor Bob Ferguson has signed measures 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 yesterday (Wed) 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.
The legislation 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%.
In addition, Ferguson signed nine other bills related to affordable housing. Those bills covered permitting reform, tax incentives, parking restrictions and more.
