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Make Your Voice Heard: Oppose HB 1217
Washington’s Housing Market Is at a Crossroads
Washington’s housing market is at a critical turning point, and the decisions made in the coming weeks could have lasting consequences for renters, housing providers, and the broader community. House Bill 1217 (HB 1217), which is scheduled for an Executive Session in the House Appropriations Committee on Monday, February 10th, introduces a form of rent stabilization—more accurately, RENT CONTROL—that threatens to disrupt the already fragile balance between tenants and landlords.
While proponents argue that HB 1217 will protect renters from sudden rent increases, the reality is far more complex. Rent control measures have historically led to reduced housing supply, declining property maintenance, and fewer investment opportunities in rental housing. By capping rent increases, HB 1217 discourages new housing development, driving landlords to convert rental units into non-rental properties or leave the market altogether. This results in fewer available rental homes, making it even harder for renters to find suitable housing in an already competitive market.
The ripple effects extend beyond just landlords and tenants—communities as a whole suffer when housing shortages worsen. Property owners, faced with financial constraints, may be unable to maintain and improve their properties, leading to deteriorating housing conditions and decreased neighborhood investment. Meanwhile, prospective renters, especially those with lower incomes, will face longer wait times, fewer housing choices, and potential displacement as available units become even scarcer.
Although public testimony is not permitted during an Executive Session, we must act NOW to prevent HB 1217 from moving forward unchecked. The Rental Housing Association of Washington (RHAC) has set up an Advocacy Center to empower housing providers, tenants, and community members to make their voices heard. This tool allows you to quickly and effectively contact your lawmakers and express your opposition to HB 1217 before it is too late.
Every voice matters in this debate. If you believe in protecting Washington’s rental market, ensuring fair housing policies, and fostering long-term housing solutions that benefit both renters and landlords, take action today. Reach out to your legislators, stay informed, and advocate for policies that encourage housing growth and affordability rather than harmful rent control measures that have proven to fail in other markets.
Why Oppose HB 1217?
This bill would:
✅ Cap rent increases at 7% annually, limiting housing providers’ ability to adjust to market conditions.
✅ Mandate a 180-day notice for any rent increase of 3% or more, adding administrative burdens.
✅ Limit late fees to 1.5% of rent, reducing incentives for timely payments.
✅ Allow local governments to impose additional regulations, creating a patchwork of conflicting policies.
✅ Prohibit preferential terms for longer lease agreements, discouraging stable housing arrangements.
✅ Cap move-in and security deposits at one month’s rent, restricting financial protections for landlords.
✅ Extend regulations to vacation rentals while exempting government and nonprofit entities.
✅ Require landlords to pay tenant attorney fees if the tenant wins any claim, adding financial risk to housing providers.
✅ Exempt only properties within their first 10 years of occupancy, failing to address long-term housing investment concerns.
This legislation will worsen the housing shortage, deter investment, and ultimately reduce the quality of rental housing across Washington.
Act Now!
Sending a message through the RHAC Advocacy Center takes only a few minutes. A prewritten message is available but personalizing it can make an even greater impact. Click below to send your message today!
RHAC Advocacy Center. Send Your Message
Let’s stand together to protect Washington’s rental market and oppose HB 1217. Your voice matters!
At Spinnaker Property Management you are family!
