We fought hard to win significant tenant protections last year in
Tacoma, effective Feb 1! Now we have the opportunity to win these
protections and more for tenants across Washington. The landlord lobby
is out in force, and we need to make sure legislators hear directly from
tenants and supporters.
There are a range of bills currently being considered in Olympia that will go a long way to keep tenants in our homes.
These include:
HB 1656/SB 5733: Just Cause (requires legitimate reason to terminate tenancy) and extended notice to vacate for renovation or demolition
HB 1453/SB 5600: extension of 3 day pay or vacate to provide time for tenants to catch up on rent and judicial discretion to prevent eviction
HB 1440: 60 day notice of rent increase
HB 1694: installment payments for move in costs
Many
of these bills are supported by legislators in the Tacoma area
including Rep. Jinkins, Rep. Morgan, Sen. Darneille, and Sen. Conway.
They are getting heat from landlords who don’t want to see these
changes, but we know they are necessary.
Eviction is one of the
primary causes of homelessness in Pierce County, and it
disproportionately impacts marginalized populations, including women
(especially single mothers), people of color, and people with
disabilities. Between 2012 and 2017, almost 20% of all black adults in
Pierce County experienced eviction. These reforms are absolutely
necessary. Please complete the information in the right hand column and
click on “start writing” to send the letter.
By passing this
legislation, Washington will join 25 other states in protecting
tenants–securing housing stability for the 40% of Washingtonians who
rent their homes. Thank you very much!