Rent control moves ahead in legislature

Update 2/27/24: HB-2114 - Rent Control is Dead for 2024.  The bill died in committee.

Its beginning to look like Washington state government is going to impose rent control.    There are two, identical rent control proposals filed.  They are House Bill 2114 and Senate Bill 5961.

Many of us have not lived in a place with rent control, so wee don't know about how screwed up rent control makes things.  Quality of housing is ignored under rent control.  So what if you could rent a great place for a good rate if it is not available?  So what if you have a great rent on a place that is in a neighborhood the police don't go to?  Usually rent amounts is inn response to all these factors and more.  

Rent control was the origin of the slums in New York City.  Rents were set to satisfy politicians -- not to solve housing problems. And our legislature is set to try it soon.

Let the legislators know you're onto their game (link).  Rent control is a bad idea.

•     Rent control squeezes housing providers leading to less spending, resulting in lower sales tax revenues for thew state
•     Rent control is proven to reduce investment regardless of any exemptions
•     Rent control is proven to reduce property values
•     Rent control will lower investment and lower property values, which both lower government income.
•     Rent control will significantly reduce the property tax revenues state and local governments collect from housing providers.
•     Local and state governments rely on these property taxes in order to properly address the needs of their residents, lower revenues will reduce quality of life for residents of Washington state while simultaneously making housing affordability more difficult.

Rent control would be a disaster for the people who need housing.

Vote out those legislators who vote for rent control.  Impolite will keep yo posted.