Bill > HB2265

This bill aims to protect tenants during periods of extreme heat by establishing new regulations for landlords and modifying existing eviction procedures. Specifically, it prohibits landlords from preventing tenants from installing portable cooling devices, such as air conditioners or evaporative coolers, unless certain conditions are met, such as violating building codes, manufacturer safety guidelines, causing unreasonable damage, or exceeding the building's electrical capacity; however, landlords must prioritize tenants with disabilities needing such devices. The bill also clarifies that landlords are not liable for damages caused by tenant-installed cooling devices and requires rental agreements to include information about these rights and restrictions. Furthermore, it amends existing law to ensure landlords provide adequate heating and cooling facilities and prevents landlords from terminating essential utility services like electricity or water during heat-related alerts issued by the National Weather Service, while also outlining a process for tenants to request reconnection and enter into repayment plans for past-due bills. Crucially, the bill prohibits sheriffs from executing eviction orders, which are formal legal documents allowing a landlord to remove a tenant, during periods of extreme heat, defining such periods based on National Weather Service alerts and extending protections for 48 hours after an alert ends, with additional protections starting 24 hours before an advance-announced alert.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2265&Year=2025&Initiative=false