• Governor Ferguson signed a rent stabilization bill capping annual rent increases at 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower, with a 5% cap for manufactured homes.
• Nine other housing bills were signed into law, addressing property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, condominium construction, parking regulations, and mobile home park sales.
• The new laws aim to alleviate the housing crisis in Washington by providing relief to renters, incentivizing new construction, and streamlining land-use permitting.

On Wednesday, Governor Bob Ferguson of Washington state signed ten housing bills into law, marking a significant step towards addressing the state's housing affordability crisis. The centerpiece of this legislative package is a rent stabilization measure (HB 1217) that limits annual rent increases. Other bills address various aspects of housing, including property tax relief for disabled veterans, condominium construction regulations, parking requirements, and protections for mobile home residents. These reforms reflect a bipartisan effort to tackle the complex challenges of housing availability and affordability in Washington.

• What: Governor Ferguson signed ten housing bills into law, including HB 1217 which introduces rent stabilization, capping annual rent increases at 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower. Other bills address property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, condominium construction, parking regulations, and mobile home park sales.
• Who: Key individuals involved include Governor Bob Ferguson, Senator Emily Alvarado, Representative Stephanie Barnard, and representatives from the Sightline Institute. Key organizations include the Washington State Legislature, housing advocacy groups, and developers.
• When: The bills were signed into law on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, following the 105-day legislative session.
• Where: The bill signing took place at the Blake House affordable high-rise in Seattle, Washington. The laws affect housing regulations throughout Washington state.

The enactment of these housing bills represents a significant shift in Washington's approach to housing affordability. The rent stabilization measure, while controversial, is expected to provide immediate relief to renters facing rising costs. The other bills aim to address systemic issues in housing development, such as streamlining condominium construction and reducing parking requirements. The exemption for new construction from the rent cap for 12 years and affordable housing managed by non-profits altogether aims to balance tenant protection with incentivizing development. However, the impact of these laws on the overall housing market and the state's ability to address its housing crisis remains to be seen.

It’s really an honor to sign this important legislation into law.

Today we put common-sense guardrails on our rental housing market so that hardworking families and older adults don’t get unchecked excessive rent increases. This law is a good beginning. It’s long overdue, and it’s urgently needed.

They have a hard time working and going to work, and the rating that they receive should not be an obstacle to them receiving support and help with their property taxes

Housing is not a luxury. It’s a basic human need. And everyone in this state deserves a stable and affordable home.

Washington's new housing laws represent a comprehensive effort to address the state's housing crisis, with rent stabilization as a key component. While the long-term effects of these policies remain uncertain, they signal a commitment to providing relief for renters and incentivizing housing development. Ongoing monitoring and adjustments may be necessary to ensure the laws effectively address the complex challenges of housing affordability and availability in Washington.