Rental Housing Association of Washington Logo

Active Issues

Active Issues highlights state and local proposals, ordinances, and rulemaking activities that may impact rental housing providers.

Industry Trends Legislation & Policy Legislation & Policy : Active Issues Legislation & Policy : Advocacy & Gov. Affairs Legislation & Policy : Law Updates/New Laws News & Updates News & Updates : Announcements News & Updates : Events Property Mgmt/Compliance Property Mgmt/Compliance : Education & Training Property Mgmt/Compliance : Form & Resource Revisions Property Mgmt/Compliance : Leasing & Tenants Property Mgmt/Compliance : Maintenance & Repair Property Mgmt/Compliance : Tenant Screening Vendor Opportunities
Federal Authorities Have Opened a Door to Charging ESA Rent – WA Landlords Should Leave it Closed
Posted In: Active Issues,
Date posted Jul 13

A Louisiana court may have cracked open the door to charging fees for emotional support animals (ESA), but Washington landlords should think very...

Read Post
What Spokane’s Cooling Ordinance Means for Housing Providers
Posted In: Active Issues,
Date posted Jun 3

The Spokane City Council is considering an ordinance, the proposed Renters’ Right to Cooling (SMC 10.57.175), that would require landlords to...

Read Post
A New Initiative is Headed for the TACOMA BALLOT
Posted In: Legislation & Policy, Active Issues,
Date posted May 6

The same organization that delivered Tacoma's onerous 2023 Landlord Fairness Code (FKA as Measure 1 or Initiative 1, AKA Tenant Bill of Rights or...

Read Post
LEVIATHAN: Washington’s Proposed Income Tax & Its Effects on Housing Abundance
Posted In: Active Issues,
Date posted Mar 13

“As nightfall does not come at once, neither does oppression. In both instances, there is a twilight when everything remains seemingly...

Read Post
LOCAL RENTAL HOUSING REGULATION WATCH: January 2026
Posted In: Active Issues,
Date posted Jan 13

The RHAWA Government Affairs Team consistently watches for updates to local housing policy. We track changes proposed by both local city councils...

Read Post
Changes Brewing in the City of Destiny: Tacoma Looks to Change Rental Policies
Posted In: Active Issues,
Date posted Dec 3

We are now past the 2025 election and will look forward to engaging all of the successful candidates to advocate for rental housing policy all...

Read Post
SURFING WITH THE ELEPHANT
Posted In: Active Issues,
Date posted Sep 19

In June, my article Opportunity Cost explored Washington State’s pivotal moment in housing policy, highlighting how market-driven strategies...

Read Post
Local Rental Housing Regulation Watch - May 2025
Posted In: Active Issues, Law Updates/New Laws,
Date posted May 6

While you may still be recovering from the chaotic pace of Legislative Session, it is important to keep up to date on changes at the local level...

Read Post
ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM PT. 2 - THE CLEARCUTTING OF THE REGULATORY FOREST
Posted In: Advocacy & Gov. Affairs, Active Issues,
Date posted May 5

In my previous article, The Elephant in the Room, I examined the stark reality of Washington State’s housing crisis—where federal and...

Read Post
WA Supreme Court Sides with RHAWA: Major Victory for Housing Providers in Housing Authority v. Knigh
Posted In: Advocacy & Gov. Affairs, Active Issues,
Date posted Mar 24

In a significant legal victory for rental housing providers, the Washington State Supreme Court has agreed with RHAWA’s position that the...

Read Post
Washington Supreme Court Sides with RHAWA: Major Victory for Housing Providers in Housing Authority
Posted In: Advocacy & Gov. Affairs, Active Issues,
Date posted Feb 25

In a significant legal victory for rental housing providers, the Washington State Supreme Court has agreed with RHAWA’s position that the...

Read Post
ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
Posted In: Advocacy & Gov. Affairs, Active Issues,
Date posted Jan 20

With the upcoming inauguration of both a new Trump Administration and a new Washington State Governor in (WHY IN) Bob Ferguson, the housing and...

Read Post