Find the latest summaries and policy updates for all multifamily housing regulations and policies.
Ryan Makinster, Director of Government Affairs recently attended the Annual Board of Directors Retreat for Up for Growth in New York City. The meeting was an opportunity for industry leaders to touch base and plan for the strategic success of the organization in 2025 and beyond. Up for Growth... Continue Reading
The City of Vancouver will be considering a proposal in the coming months that, if passed, will affect your business; a rental registry referred to as the Rental Habitability Program. WMFHA Director of Government Affairs, Ryan Makinster represented the industry on the Vancouver Rental... Continue Reading
On October 1, Seattle changed their security alarm response policy. Currently, police will not respond to alarms unless there is supporting evidence such as audio, video, eyewitnesses or a panic alarm. This policy is often referred to as verified response. Most security alarm systems do not have... Continue Reading
The Citizen’s Action Defense Fund (CADF) recently filed a lawsuit against the City of Tacoma challenging its so-called “Landlord Fairness Code” (“LFC”), the onerous and questionable laws adopted due to the Tacoma for All Initiative. According to the lawsuit, the... Continue Reading
The City of Vancouver will be considering two proposals in the coming months that, if passed, will affect your business; a rental registry program and green building codes for multifamily and commercial buildings. The green building code update quietly emerged from a workgroup who intends to... Continue Reading
In response to a lawsuit filed by the Washington Business Property Association (WBPA), which WMFHA financially supported, the City of Kenmore has repealed certain provisions of the tenant protections they passed in 2022. Specifically, to comply with the settlement agreement they repealed their... Continue Reading
Spokane City Council is considering amending the rental registry ordinance to do a few things to force compliance. This proposal will make waiver of the $15 registration fee more streamlined, exempting housing authorities and various subsidized programs (such as HCV and VA vouchers). The changes... Continue Reading
The City of Tukwila is considering adopting tenant protections. Originally discussed in April, Council heard recommendations from their staff again last week. Council decided to bring the conversation back to committee. We have been in contact with staff running the Planning and Development... Continue Reading
As we approach the general election in November, it's crucial to understand the role of the WMFHA Political Action Committee (WMFHA PAC). Our nonpartisan PAC is dedicated to supporting candidates not based on their political party but based on the willingness to advocate for the multifamily... Continue Reading
We’re excited to share that our Executive Director, Nick Marin, is mentioned in a recent USA Today article about the best cities for renters. In this piece, Nick offers expert commentary on the factors renters should consider when deciding where to live and what might make certain cities... Continue Reading
The primary election has come and gone, but we aren’t done yet! From now until November it is go time for campaigns across the state. Now that we can see where all our key races stand, we will be sharing information on business-friendly candidates that we are supporting and hope you will... Continue Reading
The unlawful detainer quagmire in King County has gotten so bad that housing providers across the state and even outside the state have become aware of it. And it is not just the industry that has taken note. The Seattle City Council has referenced it in meetings, King County Councilmember Reagan... Continue Reading
