Washington State is facing a significant housing crisis due to a shortage of affordable options, resulting in increasingly rent-burdened residents. The proposed bill, EHB 1217, advocates for statewide rent control as a quick fix; however, such this policy threatens housing stability for all Washington renters by: 

• Worsening housing availability and affordability, limiting access for vulnerable residents. 
• Reducing rental unit quality by discouraging investment in property maintenance, compromising neighborhood safety. 
• Threatening new developments, as rent control negatively impacts financing for housing projects, leading to prohibitively expensive options. 
• Creating unforeseen financial strain on taxpayers. 

We strongly oppose EHB 1217, which would impose harmful rent control measures exacerbating the housing crisis. Instead of stifling development through statewide regulations, we must support Governor Ferguson's ambitious goal of building 200,000 new housing units in his first term to address Washington's housing challenges by: 

• Increase Housing Supply: Creating a competitive rental market is essential for affordability, providing tenants with more options and keeping rent in check. 
• Facilitating Faster Development: Streamlining policies and reducing permitting delays to meet the growing demand for housing, bringing new units to market more quickly. 
• Preserving Existing Rental Stock: Supporting the critical role providers play in the market by simplifying the regulatory process to reduce risk. 
• Protecting Tenants: Supporting targeted legislation that addresses predatory practices without penalizing responsible housing providers. 

Send a pre-written message using the form on this page to urge your legislators to oppose rent control and support effective housing solutions. Join Smart Housing Solutions WA in advocating for increased housing supply and the preservation of rental units. Together, we can ensure every Washington resident has access to safe and affordable housing. Contact your legislators TODAY for real solutions!