It’s only been a few months since historic flooding devastated parts of Western Washington, where affected homeowners are still recovering.  

Many renters also suffered losses from the floods. And unlike homeowners, they may have had little idea they were at risk.

In Washington, home sellers are required to tell potential buyers if their properties are located on a flood plain. But landlords don’t have to do the same for renters.   

A bill recently passed by state lawmakers could change that, by requiring that rental leases include disclosures if a unit is at risk of flooding. 

The bill still needs to be signed by Governor Ferguson. If that happens, landlords will have to add disclosures to leases starting in 2027. 

Guests: 
Alexis Weisend is a business reporter for the Seattle Times. Her reporting on this gap in renter protection was the inspiration for the legislation.  

Related links:
6237-S SBR FBR 26
Washington historic floods uncover critical gap in renter protection | The Seattle Times
WA approves bill requiring landlords to disclose flood risk to renters | The Seattle Times

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

It&rsquo;s only been a few months since historic flooding devastated parts of Western Washington, where affected homeowners are still recovering.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Many renters also suffered losses from the floods. And unlike homeowners, they may have had little idea they were at risk.
In Washington, home sellers are required to tell potential buyers if their properties are located on a flood plain. But landlords don&rsquo;t have to do the same for renters.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
A bill recently passed by state lawmakers could change that, by requiring that rental leases include disclosures if a unit is at risk of flooding.&nbsp;
The bill still needs to be signed by Governor Ferguson. If that happens, landlords will have to add disclosures to leases starting in 2027.&nbsp;
Guests:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Alexis Weisend is a business reporter for the Seattle Times. Her reporting on this gap in renter protection was the inspiration for the legislation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Related links:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/Senate/6237-S%20SBR%20FBR%2026.pdf?q=20260311203057">6237-S SBR FBR 26</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/business/real-estate/washington-historic-floods-uncover-critical-gap-in-renter-protection/">Washington historic floods uncover critical gap in renter protection | The Seattle Times</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/business/real-estate/wa-approves-bill-requiring-landlords-to-disclose-flood-risk-to-renters/?block=ebwhatsnew&amp;utm_source=marketingcloud&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Evening+Brief+03-05-26_3_5_2026&amp;utm_term=">WA approves bill requiring landlords to disclose flood risk to renters | The Seattle Times</a></li>
</ul>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Soundside

Flooding in Washington last year caught everyone off guard and, unlike homeowners, many renters didn't even know they were at risk. A new bill could change that. 