Housing (Renters)

in committee · Washington · House Jan 28, 2026

HB 2699: Concerning landlord-tenant relations.

HB 2699 changes Washington's landlord-tenant laws by requiring landlords to provide 60 days' written notice before ending fixed-term leases without cause (for leases between 6-12 months). It also extends notice periods to 30 days for nonpayment evictions in federally subsidized housing or properties with federally backed mortgages. The bill affects landlords and tenants statewide, particularly those in federally assisted housing programs or properties with federal loans. Key mechanisms include stricter notice requirements for evictions, clearer definitions of "covered" properties, and new rules for lease terminations without cause. These changes aim to provide greater stability for tenants while clarifying landlord obligations under state law.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExtends eviction notice periods to 60 days for fixed-term leases and 30 days in federally subsidized housing, strengthening tenant protections against sudden displacement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 28, 2026

HB 2455: Creating a housing assistance pilot program for youth enrolled in extended foster care.

HB 2455 creates a two-year housing assistance pilot program for up to 50 youth in Washington's extended foster care system who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. The program provides rental assistance covering up to 24 months (until age 21), with participants paying no more than 30% of their income toward rent, based on local fair market rent. It requires the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to conduct transition planning for youth turning 21 and mandates a 2029 report detailing program outcomes, participant demographics, and costs by county. The bill directly affects youth aged 18-21 in extended foster care who face housing instability while navigating federal housing programs.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates rental assistance pilot for homeless foster youth, providing housing support until age 21 with income-based rent caps.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Renters

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5986: Providing a property tax exemption for qualifying housing used as a residency by tenants meeting certain disability criteria.

SB 5986 would create a $50,000 property tax exemption per qualifying tenant for owners of single-family homes or multi-family residential properties. To qualify, tenants must receive Social Security disability payments or be veterans with a 40%+ VA disability rating, and have lived in the housing for at least nine months that year. Property owners must apply with the county assessor and pass at least 80% of the tax savings to tenants through reduced rent payments in the same year. The exemption applies only to properties where the tax savings directly lower tenant costs, not to the property owner’s overall tax burden.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax exemption (reducing tax burden) for qualifying tenants with disabilities, requiring 80% tax savings passed to tenants via rent reduction, aligning with tax relief for lower-income groups.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates tax incentive for landlords to provide affordable housing to disabled/veteran tenants via mandatory rent reductions, directly advancing affordable housing access for vulnerable populations.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly includes veterans with 40%+ VA disability rating as qualifying tenants for property tax exemption, reducing housing costs for this group.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Property Taxes Renters Tenant Rights Tags People with Disabilities

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 19, 2026

HB 2265: Protecting tenants from periods of extreme heat.

HB 2265 requires landlords in Washington state to allow tenants to install portable air conditioners or evaporative coolers (like window units or floor models) without restriction, unless specific safety or structural concerns apply. Landlords may only prohibit such devices if installation violates building codes, damages property, exceeds electrical capacity, or conflicts with window egress requirements - prioritizing tenants with disabilities requiring cooling. The bill mandates landlords provide written lease notices detailing tenant rights and restrictions, and shields landlords from liability for tenant-installed device issues. This directly affects all residential tenants in Washington, particularly those in buildings without permanent AC during extreme heat events.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires landlords to allow tenant cooling devices, strengthening tenant protections during extreme heat events.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 23, 2026

SJR 8209: Concerning property tax relief.

SJR 8209 proposes a constitutional amendment to create two property tax relief mechanisms in Washington State: a homestead exemption for primary homeowners (limiting state property taxes on their residence to a fixed dollar amount) and a renter's credit refunding part of rent paid by qualifying tenants. Both provisions require future legislation to set specific dollar amounts, with the renter's credit capped at the same maximum as the homeowner exemption. The amendment would need voter approval to take effect, as it modifies the state constitution, and would not shift tax burdens to other property types or increase overall tax rates.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProposes property tax relief for homeowners and renters, reducing tax burden on qualifying residents per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingRenter's credit refunds part of rent for qualifying tenants, directly increasing affordability and tenant financial relief per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Homeownership Property Taxes Renters

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in committee · Washington · House Feb 3, 2026

HB 2559: Providing a local government option for the funding of essential affordable housing programs.

HB 2559 allows Washington counties, cities, and towns to impose a local 4% tax on short-term rental lodging (like Airbnb stays) to fund affordable housing programs. The tax revenue must go to a dedicated state account and can be used for acquiring, rehabilitating, or constructing affordable housing, rental assistance, or related support services like job training. Local governments must report annually on how funds are spent and cannot implement the tax before April 2027. This bill directly affects short-term rental operators (who pay the tax) and local governments (which can choose to adopt the tax and manage housing funds).

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates 4% local tax on short-term rentals to fund affordable housing programs, directly allocating tax revenue to essential housing services with dedicated accounting.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates 4% short-term rental tax to fund affordable housing programs, directly advancing housing access through dedicated revenue for acquisition, rehab, and rental assistance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Revenue Affordable Housing Property Taxes Renters

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signed · Washington · House Mar 20, 2026

HB 2452: Modifying requirements for service of rent increase notices.

HB 2452 requires landlords in manufactured and mobile home communities to provide tenants with a standardized notice for rent increases, detailing the exact percentage and dollar amount of the increase. The notice must also explain if the increase exceeds Washington’s 5% annual limit and include supporting documentation for any claimed exemptions (such as community purchases or public housing programs). This applies specifically to tenants in manufactured/mobile home communities, not all rental properties. The bill amends existing laws to ensure transparency and compliance with rent increase rules.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates standardized rent increase notices with transparency on limits/exemptions, directly protecting tenants in mobile home communities from unclear or excessive hikes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

in committee · Washington · Senate Feb 6, 2026

SB 5940: Creating a housing assistance pilot program for youth enrolled in extended foster care.

SB 5940 creates a two-year housing assistance pilot program (2027-2029) for up to 50 youth aged 18-21 enrolled in Washington’s extended foster care program who are experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of it. The program provides rental assistance based on local fair market rent, requiring youth to pay no more than 30-40% of their income toward housing while remaining in foster care - allowing them to access federal housing benefits after age 21 without losing foster care support. It mandates transition planning for youth nearing age 21, including referrals to housing, employment, and other support services. The program will be evaluated through a 2029 report tracking participation, costs, demographics, and outcomes.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates rental assistance pilot for homeless foster youth, directly addressing homelessness and providing housing support through federal benefit access without losing foster care.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Renters

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1429: Creating a housing assistance program for youth enrolled in extended foster care.

HB 1429 creates a state-funded housing assistance program for youth in Washington's extended foster care system (ages 18-21) who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The program provides up to 36 months of rental assistance, capping housing costs at 30% of a youth's income (up to 40% if rent exceeds fair market rent in their area), while allowing them to retain extended foster care support. It requires the state department to partner with qualified housing providers and conduct annual housing status checks. Additionally, the bill mandates transition planning three months before a youth turns 21, including referrals to housing vouchers, benefits, and services to support long-term stability. This addresses a gap where youth often lose foster care support when accessing federal housing programs.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates state-funded rental assistance program for homeless foster youth, directly funding affordable housing access and addressing homelessness.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Renters

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1099: Creating a tenant assistance program.

HB 1099 creates a state tenant assistance program providing up to $400 monthly rent help to Washington renters who spend over 30% of their income on housing costs and earn at or below 80% of their county’s median household income (per HUD data). Priority is given to households earning 60% or less of median income or receiving Supplemental Security Income. The program, funded by 20% of county recording fee surcharges (from RCW 36.22.250), will be administered by the Department of Commerce through public housing authorities and expires June 30, 2032. Assistance is limited to 12 consecutive months per household, with annual reports required on program usage and outcomes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesFunds tenant assistance program using existing county recording fee surcharges, aligning with fiscal management for essential services.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides direct rent assistance to low-income tenants (≤80% median income) struggling with housing costs, prioritizing vulnerable households, directly advancing affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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