Bill > HB1099

This bill creates a comprehensive tenant assistance program designed to help rent-burdened Washington residents by providing financial support to eligible renters through public housing authorities. Under the program, renters can receive up to $400 per month in assistance if they meet specific criteria, including having a household income at or below 80% of the area median income and spending more than 30% of their monthly income on housing costs. The program prioritizes renters with lower incomes (at or below 60% of median income) or those receiving supplemental security income. Renters can receive assistance for up to 12 consecutive months, with only one eligible renter per household. Public housing authorities will distribute the grants, and landlords are prohibited from discriminating against tenants receiving these payments. The bill requires the Department of Commerce to submit annual reports on the program's effectiveness and creates a new tenant assistance program account funded partially by document recording fees. The program is set to expire on June 30, 2032, and the legislature has mandated a review by the joint committee to assess its impact on housing stability, with a report due by December 1, 2031. The overall goal is to alleviate the economic strain caused by high rents and promote housing security for Washington residents.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1099&Year=2025&Initiative=false