Understanding House Bill 1217: 5 Key Impacts on Washington State Landlords
Hey there, this is Doc from Cobalt Property Management, your go-to resource for Spokane Property Management and Spokane Rentals. Today, I’m diving into House Bill 1217, a piece of legislation currently working its way through the Washington State Legislature. If you’re an investor with residential real estate in Washington—especially if you manage tenants—this bill could shake things up for you. It hasn’t passed yet, but it’s already sparking conversations among landlords and property managers across the state, including those in Spokane.
As of now, HB 1217 has cleared the House and is sitting in the Senate. I’ll drop a link at the end of this post where you can read the bill, check out a summary, and even contact your representatives to share your thoughts. For now, let’s break down the five critical points you need to know about HB 1217 and how it might affect your ability to lease out properties—whether you’re managing Spokane rentals or properties elsewhere in Washington. Keep in mind, this is a high-level overview since the bill could still change or even stall out. Let’s get into it!
What HB 1217 Could Mean for Landlords
This bill introduces some big shifts for Washington landlords, and it’s worth paying attention to—especially if you rely on rental income from properties in Spokane or beyond. Here are the five key points that could impact your Spokane Property Management strategy:
- Rent Increase Caps at 7%: One of the standout features of HB 1217 is a statewide cap on rent increases. If this passes, you won’t be able to raise rent by more than 7% in a 12-month period for an existing tenant. This is a first for Washington and could limit your flexibility as a landlord, especially with rising costs in the Spokane rentals market.
- No Rent Hikes in the First 12 Months: New tenants get a break too. The bill prohibits any rent increases during the first year of occupancy. So, whether you sign a six-month lease and renew it or go straight for a year-long agreement, your rental rate is locked in for 12 months. This could affect how you price your Spokane rentals upfront.
- Move-In Fees and Deposits Limited to One Month’s Rent: Moving in just got cheaper for tenants. HB 1217 caps the total of move-in fees and security deposits at one month’s rent. That means if your rent is $2,000, you can’t charge a $1,500 deposit plus a $500 fee—everything combined has to stay under $2,000. This could tighten cash flow for landlords managing Spokane Property Management tasks.
- Extended Notice Periods for Rent Increases: Notification rules are getting an overhaul too. If you’re raising rent by less than 3%, the current 60-day notice still applies. But if your increase is 3% or higher (up to that 7% cap), you’ll need to give tenants 180 days’ notice. This longer timeline could complicate planning for Spokane rentals, especially in a fast-moving market.
- Late Fee Caps at 1.5% of Rent: Finally, late fees are getting a ceiling. The bill limits them to 1.5% of the monthly rent. For a $2,000 rental, that’s a max of $30—no more hefty penalties to encourage timely payments. This might influence how you enforce lease terms in your Spokane Property Management operations.
What’s Next for HB 1217?
These changes are significant, and they’re set to apply statewide—though you’ll still need to double-check local regulations, especially in Spokane, where additional rules might already be in play. There are some exclusions mentioned in the bill, but they’re vague and don’t seem to cover many landlords, so don’t bank on dodging these rules.
Since HB 1217 is still in the Senate, it’s not law yet. It could evolve, get amended, or even die out. That’s why I encourage you to dig into the details yourself. Below, you’ll find a link to the bill’s page, where you can access the original text, a bill analysis, and a handy button to send feedback to your representatives. Your voice matters—especially if you’re managing Spokane rentals or properties elsewhere in Washington.
Get Involved and Stay Informed
At Cobalt Property Management, we’re keeping a close eye on HB 1217 and how it might reshape the landscape for Spokane Property Management. If you’ve got questions or need help navigating these potential changes, feel free to reach out to us at rentcobalt.com or email me directly at doc@rentcobalt.com. I’m here to support landlords and investors like you.
To View HB 1217 Bill or to reach out to your representative, visit: Washington State Legislature
