Democrats in Washington State are reintroducing rent control legislation in the 2024 legislative session. Rep. Emily Alvarado D-Seattle has pre-filed House Bill 2117, which aims to cap rent increases at 7% annually, while allowing landlords to set the initial rent freely.
Alvarado cited concerns from renters in her district, noting that 15% of renters experienced monthly rent hikes of $250 or more last year, leading to community instability.
Sen. Yasmin Trudeau D-Tacoma is sponsoring companion legislation in the Senate. Both lawmakers emphasized the affordability crisis, stating that housing is a fundamental need.
Alvarado highlighted adjustments to the bill, such as the increase in the rent cap from 5% to 7% and changes to move-in fees based on stakeholder feedback.
Opponents, including Rep. Jim Walsh R-Aberdeen, argue that rent control exacerbates the housing shortage by discouraging investment and increasing scarcity.
Walsh advocates for deregulation to free up the market for more housing construction. Many landlords are expected to oppose the bill, citing concerns that it would worsen Washington’s housing shortage.