Advocacy News

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

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Court of Appeals Decision Limits Use of Security Deposit
Court of Appeals Decision Limits Use of Security Deposit

On Monday, December 5 the WA Court of Appeals published their opinion in Yemeserach Gebreseralse v. Columbia Debt Relief. The court found, in this circumstance, that the security deposit couldn't be fully forfeit due to the tenant’s failure to give notice and must, at least in portion, be... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted12/9/2022


Housing Providers Subject to CARES Act Must Provide 30 Day Notice to Vacate
Housing Providers Subject to CARES Act Must Provide 30 Day Notice to Vacate

Notice of Recent CARES Act Notice to Vacate Appeals Court Opinion - On Monday, December 5 the WA Court of Appeals published their opinion in Sherwood Auburn LLC v. Joel Pinzon and Rosa Mendez. This will require landlords, that are subject to the CARES Act, to modify the state court 14-day... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted12/8/2022


Legislature 101 and Session Preview
Legislature 101 and Session Preview

At the December 8 Government Affairs Committee meeting, WMFHA contract lobbyist Kathryn Hedrick presented “Legislation 1010 and Session Preview.” The presentation was a primer for some and reminder for others on the legislative makeup, the process of bill creation, drafting and... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted12/8/2022


WMFHA Staff and Lobby Team Meet with Democratic Legislators
WMFHA Staff and Lobby Team Meet with Democratic Legislators

WMFHA Director of Government Affairs Ryan Makinster and Consultant Kathryn Hedrick recently met with Democratic members of the “pragmatic” caucus during the Jackson Legacy Fund Reception in Olympia. As sponsors of the exclusive pre-reception social hour, WMFHA was able to discuss... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted12/4/2022


WMFHA GA Staff Attend Assembly of Delegates; Learn of Troubling National Proposals
WMFHA GA Staff Attend Assembly of Delegates; Learn of Troubling National Proposals

The NAA Assembly of Delegates was held November 14-17 in Norfolk, Virginia with several WMFHA members and staff in attendance. The Assembly of Delegates (AOD) is composed of up to two hundred and fifty (250) delegates from the NAA’s ten regions. AOD is NAA’s largest business meeting... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted11/23/2022


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


Majority of WMFHA PAC Supported Candidates Win, but Still a Tough Road Ahead
Majority of WMFHA PAC Supported Candidates Win, but Still a Tough Road Ahead

57-41 and 29-20 majorities in both the House and Senate respectively. Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted11/15/2022


Lt. Governor Denny Heck & Senator Yasmin Trudeau Convene Roundtable Discussion on Housing Policy
Lt. Governor Denny Heck & Senator Yasmin Trudeau Convene Roundtable Discussion on Housing Policy

On Tuesday November 1st WMFHA ‘s Director of Government Affairs, Ryan Makinster and Lobbyist Krystelle Purkey attended a housing roundtable in Olympia hosted by Lt. Governor Denny Heck & Senator Yasmin Trudeau. After opening remarks by Lt. Governor Heck and Senator Trudeau, Dr. Mike... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted11/15/2022


Partnership For Affordable Housing Regroups and Re-energizes for Legislative Session
Partnership For Affordable Housing Regroups and Re-energizes for Legislative Session

We know housing and affordability issues will take center stage with lawmakers. Partners for Affordable Housing (PAH), our coalition of organizations with shared interests on housing, is working now to prepare our industry to strategically engage on these critical issues through advocacy. Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster
Date posted11/15/2022


Minimum Wage Increases & Salary Information
Minimum Wage Increases & Salary Information

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries announced that the state’s minimum wage will increase to $15.74 starting Jan. 1, 2023. 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