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Bill

HB 1088

Preparing for revisions to the residential landlord-tenant act by creating a task force and establishing a moratorium on new residential landlord-tenant regulations.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Barkis and 5 co-sponsors

Washington establishes a landlord-tenant task force and freezes new residential rental regulations during the study period to guide comprehensive reform.

First reading, referred to Housing.
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Bill Summary · HB 1088

Legislative bill overview

HB 1088 creates a task force to study potential revisions to Washington's residential landlord-tenant laws and implements a moratorium preventing new regulations in this area during the study period. The bill aims to pause regulatory changes while comprehensive reform is considered through a structured stakeholder process.

Why is this important

Washington's landlord-tenant laws significantly affect housing affordability, tenant protections, and rental market stability. A moratorium on new regulations could freeze proposed tenant protections or landlord requirements, while the task force process allows time for deliberate policy development—but delays any immediate legislative action on housing issues stakeholders may view as urgent.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of moratorium: Whether a freeze on regulations protects necessary tenant protections or prevents landlords from facing new compliance burdens remains contested, depending on one's view of current law adequacy
  • Task force composition and timeline: Questions about who represents the task force (tenants, landlords, advocates, government) and whether the study period is genuine deliberation or stalling tactics
  • Regulatory gaps: A moratorium may leave unaddressed housing issues if the task force process is lengthy or produces no actionable results, potentially disadvantaging vulnerable renters or small landlords

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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