Legislature Puts Washington Landlords At Risk

[Curtis Bidwell]

In an effort to address the housing crisis the Washington State Legislature has numerous bills to consider, most all of which limit a landlord’s ability to conduct business and preserve their financial investment.  Landlord’s must be informed and respond to the legislature to protect our rights as property owners and business people. 

While these proposals are perhaps good intentioned (?) to help tenants stay in their home, it is my opinion that these laws will further exasperate the housing crisis leading to higher rental rates and fewer rental options on the open market -especially for the marginal tenant.

DO NOT BE SILENT! Lawmakers need to hear from individual private landlords and hear your story of how these laws will impact your ability to conduct business, provide much needed housing, and keep rents reasonable. 

Look up your representatives for your residence as well as where you have property: https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/

Among the most serious issues are: SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5600: http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2019-20/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Bills/5600-S.pdf

1. Judicial Discretion is given to the judge to determine if the defendant should be evicted and when –regardless of the validity of your claim.  It removes the rule of law in favor of an arbitrary decision based on emotion or other arbitrary factors, and there is no remedy for the landlord if the judge rules in the defendant’s favor.

2. Just Cause: Leases do not terminate and you cannot remove a tenant without Just Cause.

Closely aligned with the Just Cause provision, the 20 day notice to terminate may be removed or replaced with a 60 day notice.

120 Day Notice to terminate if you are substantially changing the use or major remodel (see Tacoma’s new provisions: https://www.cityoftacoma.org/cms/One.aspx?pageId=163079).

14 day Notice to Pay or Vacate instead of the historical 3 Day Notice.

Redefines “Rent”: Fees and Deposits may not count toward rent and therefore cannot be evicted for non-payment.

Landlord required to accept 3 equal installments for Security deposit.

Attorney’s fees, etc may only be collected on an evicted tenant only after proving they did not act in good faith instead of merely hardship.

... And yes, there is much more! If you want a sample letter/email to send your representative let me know, I'll send to you what I forwarded to the housing committee members.