Rent Control is Here! Now, let's stop it.

Rent Control is Here

WBPA Members and Friends,

The 2025 legislative session begins Monday and already our real estate industry is under attack. The House of Representatives will hold a public hearing on opening day for House Bill 1217 - Rent Control.

We cannot afford to let this pass without a fight.

Time is short, and your voice is critical.

HB 1217 - Rent Control

STATUS: Public Hearing Monday, Jan. 13

SUMMARY: Imposes rent control and other changes to the RLTA

• Limits rent and fee increases
• Caps late fees
• Attorney General's Office dictates leases
• Prohibits certain kinds of lease incentives
• Guts the Residential Landlord Tenant Act

Please take action, NOW!

This poses a serious threat to the housing market and property owners across Washington. A public hearing on Monday, January 13, the first day of the 2025 legislative session, aims to impose sweeping rent control measures that will:

1. Discourage housing development, worsening the housing shortage.
2. Hurt small landlords, many of whom rely on rental income for their livelihoods.
3. Fail to address the root causes of housing affordability issues.

Here’s how you can help today:

1. Attend the public hearing on January 13 and make your opposition heard.
2. Contact your state representatives immediately and urge them to vote NO on HB 1217.
3. Spread the word to friends, family, and colleagues—every voice matters.

The stakes are high, and the time to act is now. Together, we can stop this harmful legislation and push for real solutions to the housing crisis.