The proposed bill seeks to strengthen tenant protections under the residential landlord-tenant act and the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act by implementing several key regulations. It prohibits landlords from raising rent during the first year of tenancy and limits subsequent increases to a maximum of seven percent annually, with certain exemptions. Landlords are required to provide written notice of any rent increase, including justification for exemptions, and tenants have the right to contest unauthorized increases. The bill also ensures that landlords cannot impose more burdensome terms on month-to-month leases compared to fixed-term agreements, promoting fairness across different lease types.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding rental agreements for manufactured and mobile homes, allowing a one-time rent increase of up to 10% upon the first renewal after a sale, with prior notification to the buyer. It sets limits on move-in fees and security deposits, capping them at one month's rent, or two months if pets are involved. The bill also clarifies definitions related to mobile home parks and mandates a social vulnerability assessment by the Department of Commerce to evaluate the impacts of rent stabilization, with a report due by June 30, 2028. If specific funding is not provided by June 30, 2025, the act will become null and void, ensuring accountability and responsiveness to community needs.

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