OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington House has approved a measure that would compel landlords to renew expiring leases.
After hours of debate, the bill advanced out of the Democratic-led chamber Sunday on a mostly party line 54-44 vote, and now heads to the Senate for consideration.
The bill specifies reasons that landlords could end leases, including failure to pay rent, unlawful activity and nuisance issues, as well as cases in which a landlord intends to sell or move into a rental.
Opponents point out the bill would force rental property owners to renew a tenant’s expiring lease; rent month-to-month unless the tenant agrees to a longer term; and allow occupants to stay on the property even if they damage the property beyond the security deposit amount or move onto the property without permission.
Republican Representative Michelle Caldier said the bill will have unintended consequences if it becomes law, saying people will no longer want to rent.
Under HB1236, landlords who remove tenants in violation of the rules may be subject to a penalty of up to three months’ rent.