Olympia proposes rent control (again)

Its hard to believe that our state government can do anything better than the private economy.  We the people have had to live under this legislature laws on stuff like the prohibition of the police from pursuing  a violent criminal, and an increase in spending (and taxation) of $68 billion over the last ten years. Now the legislature is entertaining itself with rent control proposals.  

Impolite is against rent control.  Impolite prefers freedom.

Everywhere rent control has been imposed, rental housing has become more scarce and more expensive.  The implicit assumption of rent control is that landowners are somehow worthless people,  Like any form of class warfare, the underlying assumption is no different in substance than racism.

There are two, identical rent control proposals filed.  They are House Bill 2114 and Senate Bill 5961.

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Be a citizen, not a subject.  Take a position.

The House Housing Committee hearing on HB 2114 is scheduled for Thursday, January 11 at 8:00 am in the John L. O’Brien Building Room B

To testify in-person, click here
To testify virtually, click here
To submit written testimony, click here
To state opposition to be noted for the legislative record, click here

The Senate Housing Committee hearing on SB 5961 is scheduled for Friday, January 12 at 10:30 am in the JA Cherberg Building Room 4

To testify in-person, click here
To testify virtually, click here
To submit written testimony, click here
To state opposition to be noted for the legislative record, click here

Please note that you must sign in 1 hour before the hearing to testify or provide a position to be placed on legislative record.  After the hearing, you have 24 hours to submit written testimony.

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Here is a summary of HB 2114 & SB 5961:

• Data used by the State does not distinguish between single family, multifamily and manufactured housing.
• A month-to-month agreement is more costly than longer term leases. The bill restricts costs increases for both in the same manner.
• Local government policies, ordinances, or other regulations will create patch work across the State of different rules and requirements and cause confusion.
• Older housing stock is treated differently than 10 year or younger housing stock.  Older housing has costs not consistent with new housing.
• Restricts rent increases to 5% once every 12 months.  This is Rent Control.
• Model lease agreement language published by AG but can be modified by local governments.
• Landlord resource center will track landlords and require registration of properties.
• Requires 180 notice for rent increases of more than 3%.  Does not permit electronic notice.
• Rent increases of more than 3% give tenants the right to terminate a lease.
• Combines security deposit with move in fees and both cannot exceed a month’s total rent.
• $10 late rent payment fee limit is imposed.
• Park tenant purchased parks can raise rent, but non-tenant purchased parks cannot raise rent upon purchase date.
• Bill has an emergency clause that permits immediate implementation of the bill requirements.