Bill > SB5661

This bill seeks to create uniformity in housing regulations across Washington State by preempting local city and county ordinances that modify landlord-tenant relationships. The bill finds that since the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act was enacted in 1973, various local jurisdictions (including Seattle, Kent, King County, Federal Way, Auburn, and Tacoma) have created conflicting regulations regarding tenant notices, evictions, and other rental housing practices. These local regulations are seen as potentially discouraging housing investment and creating confusion for both landlords and tenants. Specifically, the bill amends state laws to explicitly prohibit cities and counties from enacting ordinances that regulate agreements between landlords and tenants under existing state rental housing laws, with exceptions for public ownership and low-income housing. The legislation is motivated by Washington's significant housing shortage, with the state needing to build approximately 1.1 million new homes over the next 20 years, and a belief that a consistent, state-regulated approach will better serve both landlords and tenants by providing clear, uniform standards across different jurisdictions.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5661&Year=2025&Initiative=false