Dear Neighbors,
The urgency for rent stabilization in Washington State cannot be overstated. Skyrocketing rents continue to inflict a devastating impact on our communities, forcing many to make impossible choices between essential needs like food, healthcare, and maintaining stable housing.
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Last year, as our bill advanced, I shared several stories I’d heard from tenants about their experiences; without question these stories were the most powerful tool to persuade those on the fence. Please consider sharing your experiences as a renter in this survey. In my next newsletter, I will share your responses and provide an update on our efforts to achieve rent stabilization.
The Crisis
On the heels of inflation, the state’s budget will be tight, and we must address the underlying problem of price gouging to make our state’s investments as cost effective as possible. Increased housing supply will take years or decades to bring significant relief to renters. We need to stabilize rent to help tenants now. Residential and manufactured home renters alike deserve rental predictability, stability, and protection from price gouging.
The stories we’ve received paint a grim picture of the realities faced by Washington renters:
- Susan, living on a fixed income in Bothell, is concerned that another large rent increase will force her to sell her home and move into subsidized housing.
- James, working multiple jobs in Spokane, has seen his rent nearly double and fears that he will not be able to find a new place for his family.
- Gale, in Yakima, is at risk of losing her home while her veteran husband is hospitalized, because she can no longer afford the rent on her own.
- Joanne, who is being treated for breast cancer and has blood clots in both lungs, is worried that another rent increase could force her into homelessness.
- Marcia, a single mother, has had to deal with a 27% rent increase in 23 months and is struggling to make ends meet.
- Jasmine, a student, worries that if her rent increases again she will have to move again and that this will have an impact on her schooling.
Many individuals have shared experiences of staggering rent increases, with some facing 50% hikes, while others are being displaced due to the sale and consolidation of manufactured home parks. Every $100 increase in average local rents pushes homelessness rates up in the nearby community by 9%.
If the legislature fails to act, more people will face homelessness and more families will struggle to make ends meet.
Rent Stabilization: A Vital Step Towards Fairness
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Rent stabilization is not intended to punish landlords, but rather to establish fairness and shared responsibility. It aims to provide predictability and stability to renters, addressing the core of the affordability crisis, rather than applying a temporary solution. The proposed House Bill 1217 includes several key protections:
- A 7 % cap on rent increases.
- Similar limits on fee increases and new fees.
- Predictable 12-month leases.
- 180-day notices for annual rent increases.
- The ability to terminate rental agreements if an increase exceeds 3%.
- Reasonable exemptions for new construction and nonprofit buildings.
These measures are designed to offer a reasonable balance to ensure that renters are protected while also encouraging new housing to be built.
Addressing Landlord Concerns
There are concerns that rent stabilization could harm the housing market. I’ve met with many small landlords in our community that are working to keep rent increases modest for their tenants. They’ve shared that they are harmed by the same manipulative practices that are driving up costs – it’s hard to be in a market when other businesses are not acting as responsibly as you are. For example, some large property management companies have used tools, like Realpage, to artificially inflate prices and even leave units vacant to escalate the market rates.
The current housing market is not a renter’s market. Affordable housing is severely lacking, making it difficult for people to find a place to live. Increasing housing supply is an important goal and one that I support. But it will take years to achieve, and renters need immediate relief. Rent stabilization can help level the playing field for small property owners and make the market fairer.
Progress & A Path Forward
To maintain our momentum, we need to hear from you. Please continue to share your personal experiences and the challenges you have faced. You can also click here or on the image above for a quick update on why we’re fighting for rent stabilization and what the legislature’s next steps will be.
In addition, I hope you’ll sign up for notifications about House Bill 1217. I am hopeful it will pass the House of Representatives again and be advanced in the Senate. To watch a video of the public hearing in the House Housing Committee for House Bill 1217, click here or on the image below.
This is about providing a lifeline to renters who are being priced out of their homes. Washington renters cannot afford to wait; they need help now.
In Service,
Rep. Alex Ramel
WA State Representative | 40th Legislative District
House Majority Whip
Pronouns: he/him/his