The Olympia City Council convened on July 29, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding rent stabilization legislation and its implications for local housing policies. The session, led by Senior Housing Program Specialist Krista Lanson, marked the first of three planned discussions aimed at enhancing tenant protections in the community.

Lanson provided an overview of the recently passed Rent Stabilization Bill, which introduces various protections for renters, including limits on rent increases and extended notice periods for such increases. Under the new law, landlords can only raise rents by a maximum of 7% plus the consumer price index, capped at 10% annually. This measure aims to provide more stability for tenants, particularly in a housing market that has seen rapid increases in rental costs.

The council was informed that while no major changes to Olympia's existing rental housing code are mandated, there are opportunities for clarifying language and potential amendments to align local regulations with state law. One proposed option is to maintain the current requirement for landlords to provide relocation assistance when rent increases exceed 7% within a year, which could offer additional security for tenants facing significant hikes.

Another key topic discussed was the notice period for rent increases. The new state law requires a 90-day notice, while Olympia's current code mandates 120 days for certain increases. The council is considering whether to maintain the longer notice period, which would provide tenants with more time to prepare for potential moves.

The meeting also touched on the specific protections for manufactured home tenancies, where landlords are prohibited from increasing rent during the first year of tenancy and are required to use a standardized rent increase notice form. These provisions aim to protect vulnerable populations living in manufactured home communities from sudden financial burdens.

As the council moves forward, they will continue to evaluate the implications of these legislative changes and consider how best to implement them in a way that protects renters while providing clarity for landlords. The next study session is scheduled for August 19, where the council will review the first year of the rental registry's implementation, further shaping Olympia's approach to housing stability and tenant rights.