Advocacy News

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

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Seattle Bans Criminal Records in Screening
Seattle Bans Criminal Records in Screening

On Monday August 14, 2017, the Seattle City Council passed an ordinance 8-0, which prevents housing providers from considering a person’s prior criminal history in tenant screening. For more information on this ordinance click the button below to view our background and summary of the... Continue Reading

Date posted08/30/2017


Apartment Industry Grassroots Campaign
Apartment Industry Grassroots Campaign

National Apartment Association Launches “Protect the Lease” Grassroots Campaign Focused on Tax Reform The National Apartment Association (NAA) today announces the launch of a national grassroots campaign focused on advocating for smart tax policy that promotes economic growth, job... Continue Reading

Date posted05/22/2017


March Legislative Update
March Legislative Update

We’ve reached the point in the legislative process where any proposed legislation must have passed out of its house of origin to continue receiving consideration. That is, except, those bills which are “Necessary to Implement the Budget” (NIB). This moniker, afforded to certain... Continue Reading

Date posted03/29/2017


State Legislative Update - February 21, 2017
State Legislative Update - February 21, 2017

State Legislative Update We’re fresh off another successful “Day on the Hill” where WMFHA members met with their elected officials to share their firsthand knowledge and experience as it relates to proposed changes to the law and the impact such legislation will have on the... Continue Reading

Date posted02/21/2017


NAA/NMHC Release New Guidance on Music Licensing
NAA/NMHC Release New Guidance on Music Licensing

NAA and NMHC, with the assistance of Winstead PC, have just released a memorandum with guidance concerning the licensing of music used at apartment communities. The memorandum is intended to aid property owners and operators in evaluating their music licensing needs. Entitled “Public... Continue Reading

Date posted01/10/2017


Housing Development Policies
Housing Development Policies

Guidance came from the White House on how local communities can help solve the housing supply problem. The National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) and National Apartment Association (NAA) issued the following statement today in response to the Obama Administration’s release of a Housing... Continue Reading

Date posted10/18/2016


Housing Affordability
Housing Affordability

A Message From The National Apartment Association on Housing Affordability There is a continued discussion locally, statewide and across the country on the need for efforts to increase the supply of affordable housing and rental housing of all types. The NAA supports a cooperative effort from... Continue Reading

Date posted09/21/2016


New Source of Income Law
New Source of Income Law

A new law affecting rental housing in the City of Seattle only was unanimously passed by the City Council on Monday August 8, 2016. The law becomes effective September 16, 2016. WMFHA participated in the original stakeholder group pertaining to source of income legislation only, and provided... Continue Reading

Date posted08/16/2016


Occupancy Standard of 2 Persons Per Bedroom Challenged
Occupancy Standard of 2 Persons Per Bedroom Challenged

From the Government Affairs Team at the NAA: Member Advisory: Fair Housing – Familial Status Litigation A fair housing complaint has been filed against an NAA member company that operates properties in several states. The complaint questions the member’s occupancy standards, alleging... Continue Reading

Date posted08/1/2016


URGENT Message Re: Fair Housing Testing by the Attorney General
URGENT Message Re: Fair Housing Testing by the Attorney General

It has recently come to our attention that the Attorney General of Washington has been conducting fair housing testing on the use of criminal records in tenant screening. As far as we know, the Attorney General’s investigation is directed against properties and management companies whose... Continue Reading

Date posted07/4/2016


New Landlord-Tenant Law
New Landlord-Tenant Law

New landlord-tenant laws take effect today. First, the law requires that you indicate whether you accept a comprehensive reusable tenant screening report on each individual property’s website and in the screening criteria you provide to your prospective applicants. WMFHA recommends that you... Continue Reading

Date posted06/9/2016


NAA/NMHC White Paper on Familial Housing and Occupancy Standards
NAA/NMHC White Paper on Familial Housing and Occupancy Standards

The National Apartment Association recently published a white paper on Familial Housing protected class. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing rental or conditions based on specific protected classes, such as race, color,sex, religion, national origin, handicap status and,... Continue Reading

Date posted06/7/2016