Advocacy News

Find the latest summaries and policy updates for all multifamily housing regulations and policies.  

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WMFHA Staff Join Congressman Derek Kilmer for a YIMBY Act Roundtable
WMFHA Staff Join Congressman Derek Kilmer for a YIMBY Act Roundtable

The roundtable was an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss housing affordability and supply issues as well as solutions designed to address the crisis, including the YIMBY Act. Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted11/15/2022


City of Burien – Notice of “Tenant Protections” Changes Effective Today, October 28
City of Burien – Notice of “Tenant Protections” Changes Effective Today, October 28

On Monday October 24, the Burien City Council passed a new “Tenant Protection” Ordinance with several requirements/prohibitions. Unfortunately, the council, through emergency action, chose an immediate effective date of October 28, so we want to make you aware so you can update your... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted10/28/2022


City of Port Townsend – Notice of “Tenant Protections” Changes Effective October 24
City of Port Townsend – Notice of “Tenant Protections” Changes Effective October 24

On Monday, October 17, the Port Townsend City Council passed a new “Tenant Protection” Ordinance with a notice of rent increase requirment. Unfortunately, the council chose an immediate effective date of October 24, so we want to make you aware so you can update your processes to... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted10/24/2022


Seattle COVID Emergency Proclamation to End After October 31
Seattle COVID Emergency Proclamation to End After October 31

On Tuesday, October 11, Mayor Harrell announced that the Seattle COVID Civil Emergency Proclamation will end October 31. With the end of the state of emergency, many of the Covid related restrictions specific to Seattle, will change or go away. Key changes: Rent Installment Plan requirement... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted10/14/2022


New Government Affairs Committee Structure
New Government Affairs Committee Structure

The Committee will review and provide direction on policy and regulatory issues of interest to the multi-family residential and associated industries. The committee will also recommend legal action, policy positions and state and local legislative priorities to the WMFHA Board of Directors. Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted10/12/2022


Issaquah City Council Passes Limited Tenant Protections After WMFHA Staff and Members Raise Concerns
Issaquah City Council Passes Limited Tenant Protections After WMFHA Staff and Members Raise Concerns

Thankfully, due to WMFHA GA and member efforts, the council chose to apply an effective date of October 5 as well as protections for renewal notices provided prior to that date. Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted10/12/2022


By a Vote of 4-3 Newcastle Tenant Protection Ordinance Fails
By a Vote of 4-3 Newcastle Tenant Protection Ordinance Fails

At their Tuesday night meeting, the Newcastle city council voted 4-3 against adopting a set of tenant protection proposals pushed region wide by A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH). The ordinance championed by Newcastle Councilor Paul Charbonneau would have implemented the full package of ARCH... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted09/21/2022


City of Issaquah – Notice of “Tenant Protections”: Changes Effective October 5
City of Issaquah – Notice of “Tenant Protections”: Changes Effective October 5

City of Issaquah – Notice of “Tenant Protections”: Changes Effective October 5 Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted09/9/2022


Remaining Covid Emergency Orders and State of Emergency to End by October 31
Remaining Covid Emergency Orders and State of Emergency to End by October 31

Remaining Covid Emergency Orders and State of Emergency to End by October 31, Governor Inslee Announces Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted09/8/2022


City of Olympia – Notice of “Tenant Protections” Changes Effective September 20
City of Olympia – Notice of “Tenant Protections” Changes Effective September 20

On Tuesday, August 16, the Olympia City Council passed a new “Tenant Protection” Ordinance” with several requirements/prohibitions. Thankfully, due to WMFHA GA efforts, the council chose to apply a delayed effective date for the notification requirements. The adopted ordinance... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted08/19/2022


City of Kirkland – Notice of “Tenant Protections”: Changes Effective September 18
City of Kirkland – Notice of “Tenant Protections”: Changes Effective September 18

On Wednesday, August 3, the Kirkland City Council passed a new “Tenant Protection” Ordinance with several requirements/prohibitions. Thankfully, due to WMFHA GA and member efforts, the council chose to apply a delayed effective date of September 18 as well as protections for renewal... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted08/11/2022


City of Kenmore - Notice of “Just Cause & Deceptive and Unfair Practices Ordinance”
City of Kenmore - Notice of “Just Cause & Deceptive and Unfair Practices Ordinance”

On Monday July 25, the Kenmore City Council passed a new “just cause” ordinance with several requirements/prohibitions regarding evictions and tenancy termination. The effective date is Wednesday August 24, 2022. Just Cause A landlord shall not evict or attempt to evict any... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted07/26/2022