Washington’s Rent Control Push: How New Bill Could Backfire on Housing Market

A proposed Washington state bill aims to cap rent increases at 7% annually while restricting late fees and deposits, but critics argue it could worsen the housing crisis. Proponents claim the measure would combat homelessness by keeping rents affordable. However, opponents, including landlords and developers, warn that rent control discourages investment, stifles development, and exacerbates housing shortages, driving rents higher. This aligns with broader failures of similar policies in high-cost cities where restrictive zoning and misguided regulations have fueled unaffordable rents. Critics also highlight the absence of protections for landlords, who still face unpaid rents and operational constraints. By targeting property owners with increased controls, the legislation reflects a larger trend of government overreach, further undermining Washington’s already struggling housing market. Without addressing underlying issues like zoning and overregulation, this bill is unlikely to achieve its goals, instead driving more landlords out of the state and exacerbating the problem.