Washington state has enacted new rent stabilization laws, becoming one of the first states to set firm limits on rent increases to protect tenants. Signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson, House Bill 1217 caps rent hikes at 7% plus inflation or 10% (whichever is lower) and includes single-family homes and manufactured housing, the latter capped at 5%.
The bill, championed by Sen. Emily Alvarado, aims to prevent excessive rent spikes that contribute to housing instability and homelessness. After last-minute legislative compromises, it passed narrowly, with some Democrats joining Republicans in opposition. Ferguson also signed nine other housing-related bills focused on tenant protections, property tax relief, and mobile home community regulations, framing the legislative session as a major step toward addressing the state’s affordable housing crisis.