Advocacy News

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

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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 (deleted)
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 (deleted)
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 (deleted)
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 (deleted)
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 (deleted)
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 (deleted)
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 (deleted)
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 (deleted)
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 (deleted)
Date posted07/26/2022


City of Redmond – Notice of “Tenant Protections” Changes Effective July 30
City of Redmond – Notice of “Tenant Protections” Changes Effective July 30

On Tuesday July 19, the Redmond City Council passed a new “Tenant Protection” Ordinance with several requirements/prohibitions. Unfortunately, the council chose an immediate effective date of July 30, so we want to make you aware so you can update your processes to comply. Notice of... Continue Reading

Postedby Ryan Makinster (deleted)
Date posted07/22/2022


Seattle's Exodus of Rental Properties Continues
Seattle's Exodus of Rental Properties Continues

We are only six months into 2022, but the trend of housing providers leaving the Seattle market hasn’t slowed down. According to the latest data from Seattle’s Rental Property Registration database, Seattle continues to experience a decline in rental housing, with a net loss of 313... Continue Reading

Postedby Jim Wiard (deleted)
Date posted06/30/2022


Some Dispute Resolution Centers’ Leave Residents and Housing Providers Hanging
Some Dispute Resolution Centers’ Leave Residents and Housing Providers Hanging

Dispute Resolution Centers (DRCs) across the state are tasked with handling mediation between housing providers and residents when issues with lease compliance arise. Unfortunately, many DRCs operate at such a slow pace that instead of finding solutions and providing rental assistance, they are... Continue Reading

Postedby Jim Wiard (deleted)
Date posted05/12/2022