Bill > SB5222

This bill aims to improve housing stability for tenants by implementing significant rent and fee increase limitations across residential and manufactured/mobile home rental settings. The legislation limits rent and fee increases to 7% annually, prohibits increases during the first 12 months of tenancy, and requires landlords to provide advance notice of any proposed increases. Tenants would have the right to terminate their lease without penalty if a landlord attempts to raise rent beyond the allowed amount. The bill creates exemptions for certain types of housing, such as newly constructed units, public housing, and nonprofit-owned properties. Landlords must provide detailed written notices explaining any proposed rent increases, including specific details about the amount and any claimed exemptions. The legislation also establishes a landlord resource center through the Department of Commerce to provide information and model lease provisions, and it allows tenants to seek damages if landlords violate the new regulations. Additionally, the bill caps security deposits and move-in fees at one month's rent and limits late fees to 1.5% of monthly rent. An independent third-party assessment will be conducted to evaluate the social and economic impacts of these rent stabilization policies, with a report due to the legislature by June 30, 2028.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5222&Year=2025&Initiative=false