The proposed bill seeks to improve housing stability for tenants by implementing new regulations on rent and fee increases under the residential landlord-tenant act and the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act. Key provisions include a prohibition on rent increases during the first 12 months of tenancy, with subsequent increases capped at seven percent plus the consumer price index for residential tenancies and five percent for manufactured/mobile home tenancies. Landlords are required to provide written notice of any rent increase, including justification for any exemptions claimed. The bill also establishes a landlord resource center to assist landlords and ensures that month-to-month agreements cannot impose more burdensome terms than fixed-term leases. Tenants are granted the right to terminate their agreements if rent increases exceed the allowed limits without incurring fines or fees.

Additionally, the bill introduces amendments to existing laws regarding rental agreements for manufactured and mobile home lots, allowing tenants to terminate agreements prior to a rent increase with a 30-day written notice. It empowers the attorney general to enforce compliance and allows tenants to seek damages for violations, including excess rent paid. The bill outlines specific exemptions for rent increases, mandates standardized notices for tenants regarding their rights, and sets limits on move-in fees and security deposits. It also clarifies the definition of "rent" to include recurring charges while excluding nonrecurring charges. The act emphasizes the preservation of manufactured/mobile home communities and includes provisions for its immediate effect and funding.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 59.18.140, 59.18.270, 59.18.170, 59.20.090, 59.20.170, 59.20.060, 59.20.030
Substitute Bill: 59.18.140, 59.18.270, 59.18.170, 59.20.090, 59.20.170, 59.20.060, 59.20.030
Second Substitute: 59.18.140, 59.18.270, 59.18.170, 59.20.090, 59.20.170, 59.20.060, 59.20.030
Engrossed Bill: 59.18.140, 59.20.170, 59.20.060, 59.20.030
Bill as Passed Legislature: 59.18.140, 59.20.170, 59.20.060, 59.20.030