Housing

HB 1342 removes the requirement for landlords to personally deliver eviction notices (unlawful detainer notices) to tenants. Instead, landlords can now serve notices by affixing a copy to a conspicuous location on the property and sending a copy by mail to the tenant's residence. This change applies directly to tenants facing eviction in Washington state, simplifying service for landlords while requiring one additional day before an eviction action can begin if mail is used. The bill updates existing law (RCW 59.12.040) to allow this mail-and-posting method as an alternative to personal delivery or leaving notices with others on-site.

SB 5755 incentivizes converting underutilized commercial properties into residential housing by creating a state review process for eligible projects. It requires property owners to submit detailed proposals by October 1, 2025, including location details, infrastructure needs, and affordability plans. Eligible projects must be in urban areas with at least 250 new units, avoid sensitive zones or historic sites, and score high on criteria like low-income housing, environmental features, and community benefits. High-priority projects receive streamlined permits (processed within 180 days), technical assistance, and priority for state funding to accelerate development. This directly affects developers and property owners seeking to redevelop commercial sites into mixed-income housing near transit and jobs.

HB 1913 repeals a tax credit that previously helped low-income households with home energy assistance costs. It removes the specific provision (RCW 82.16.0497) that allowed utility companies to provide this credit. This change directly affects households currently receiving home energy assistance by eliminating this financial benefit, effective January 1, 2026. The bill makes no new provisions or programs - only removes the existing tax credit mechanism.

This bill allows cities and counties in Washington to permit factory-built "kit homes" (structures under 800 square feet assembled on-site) in residential zones for emergency housing. It requires local governments to adopt inspection processes ensuring these homes meet safety standards at least every five years. The bill eliminates minimum floor area requirements for single-family homes and permits kit homes in areas designated for residential use or emergency housing. It directly affects local zoning authorities, housing providers, and residents seeking temporary housing solutions.

HB 1708 requires Washington cities and counties to use a new state-provided dashboard tool to publicly report specific data on homelessness efforts. The dashboard must display annual metrics including housing unit gaps (needed vs. permitted), spending on housing assistance, households served, addiction treatment access, crime rates near encampments, and encampment locations - especially near schools. The Department of Commerce will contract for the application, and the Municipal Research Center will compile the data for public posting on its website. This policy directly affects all local governments by mandating standardized reporting on homelessness programs, not by providing new funding or services.

House Bill 1177 concerns the child welfare housing assistance program, which aims to reduce the need for foster care placement and shorten the time children spend in out-of-home care. The program provides housing vouchers, rental assistance, navigation, and support services to eligible families. These families include parents whose children are dependent and whose lack of appropriate housing is a barrier to reunification, or whose housing instability puts their child at risk of foster care. The department administers the program, often contracting with outside entities, in counties both east and west of the Cascade mountain range.