With less than 4 days left in session, it looks like we only have one major bill left in play, HB 1628, otherwise known as the “REET increase bill.” The removal of the state pre-emption on local rent caps did not reappear, nor did the multiple versions of extended notification for... Continue Reading
Advocacy News
Policy Issues and Legal Topics Affecting Multifamily Housing
Find the latest summaries and policy updates for all multifamily housing regulations and policies.
On Tuesday, Seattle Ctty Council passed a cap of $10 on late fees for rent. The proposal by Councilmember Kshama Sawant had been amended in committee, to 1.5% or $50 flat fee, by Councilmember Sara Nelson, but was amended back to the original proposal during the full council meeting. Although... Continue Reading
A broad coalition of interest groups and associations, including WMFHA, have been working together for the past month. The group has taken a multi-pronged approach to confronting the REET increase legislation under consideration in Olympia. In addition to the multimedia campaign and commercial... Continue Reading
During the week of March 27, WMFHA staff and several members traveled to Washington, DC for the annual Advocate conference hosted by NAA. In addition to the NAA board meeting, that focused on policy and advocacy issues, NAA members and more specifically WMFHA members, spent a day on the hill... Continue Reading
In February, Partnership for Affordable Housing (PAH), a coalition aligned to fight rent control, developed a new campaign to address the ren control efforts under consideration in Olympia. PAH also exists to fight rent control at all levels in Washington, including any effort to pass a statewide... Continue Reading
WMFHA Members Step Up Big to Support NAAPAC Every year, NAA asks local affiliates to support its federal advocacy efforts through its “Fund our Future” program. The minimum suggested annual contribution is based on affiliate membership size. With a minimum suggested contribution of... Continue Reading
On March 27th, the Spokane City Council overrode Mayor Nadine Woodward’s veto of C36366, paving the way for the ordinances to take affect April 26. However, both bills are dependent on the city putting into place a myriad of programs to enforce the new laws, create and manage the funds and... Continue Reading
On the recommendation of the Government Affairs Committee (GAC) the WMFA Board of Directors (BOD) recently created a permanent position for an Eastern Washington Representative on the GAC. Although the committee doesn’t have designated seats, generally, the GAC and BOD felt it was important... Continue Reading
On April 11, the Seatac City Council passed Ordinance #23-1009 which added most of the tenant protections contained in the “ARCH” proposal. There were a number of amendments, with 5 being adopted. The specifics: 120 day notice for 3% increase, 180 day notice for 8%... Continue Reading
Recently, Seattle has started charging an $85 filing feel to appeal EDRA applications. After review, this is allowed by ordinance. It must be noted that an appeal won’t be considered until the fee has been paid which must be filed within 10 days of the directors decision on the initial... Continue Reading
On February 27, the Spokane Council passed two ordinances, C36330 and C36366 with Mayor Nadine Woodward vetoing the second one on March 16, 2023. Continue Reading
The Release Notes, which are accessible when logged into your NAA Click & Lease Program, include copies of these upcoming forms. Continue Reading