Washington lawmakers are once again considering legislation to cap rent increases across the state. This year’s iteration would limit rent hikes to 7 percent over a 12 month period – with exemptions like new construction. 

A similar bill was introduced last year, it died in committee in the senate. Since then, a couple of those “no” votes have left office. And supporters say that this year is the time to finally pass a rent increase cap into law. But Republicans and trade groups argue that this legislation would deter construction and make the housing shortage worse.

Guests:

Senator Emily Alvarado, represents Washington's 34th Legislative District and introduced the rent stabilization bill (HB 1217)

Greg Cerbana, vice president of public relations and government affairs at Weidner Apartment Homes and volunteer with the Washington Multi-Family Housing Association

Relevant Links: 

Axios: Washington Legislature weighs limiting rent increases

Washington State Standard: Washington lawmakers revive plan for state cap on rent increases

Seattle Times: Bill to cap WA rent increases passes first House hurdle 

 

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.

Washington lawmakers are once again considering legislation to cap rent increases across the state.&nbsp;This year&rsquo;s iteration would limit rent hikes to 7 percent over a 12 month period &ndash; with exemptions like new construction.&nbsp;
A similar bill was introduced last year, it died in committee in the senate. Since then, a couple of those &ldquo;no&rdquo; votes have left office. And supporters say that this year is the time to finally pass a rent increase cap into law. But Republicans and trade groups argue that this legislation would deter construction and make the housing shortage worse.
Guests:
Senator Emily Alvarado, represents Washington's 34th Legislative District and introduced the rent stabilization bill (<a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?billnumber=1217&amp;year=2025">HB 1217)</a>
Greg Cerbana, vice president of public relations and government affairs at Weidner Apartment Homes and volunteer with the Washington Multi-Family Housing Association
Relevant Links:&nbsp;
Axios: <a href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/01/16/rent-increase-cap-law-washington-state">Washington Legislature weighs limiting rent increases</a>
Washington State Standard: <a href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/01/10/washington-lawmakers-prepare-to-revive-plan-for-state-cap-on-rent-increases/">Washington lawmakers revive plan for state cap on rent increases</a>
Seattle Times: <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/bill-to-cap-wa-rent-increases-passes-first-house-hurdle/">Bill to cap WA rent increases passes first House hurdle </a>
&nbsp;
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <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.

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