OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A bill that would cap rent increases for state residents cleared its first hurdle in Olympia.

HB 1217 passed out of the House Housing Committee on Monday. The bill would limit rent and fee increases to 7% during any 12-month period.

It would also prohibit rent and fee increases during the first 12 months of a tenancy.

The Bellingham City Council passed an ordinance in 2023 requiring landlords to give at least fourth months’ notice before increasing rent.

But state law currently prohibits the city from regulating rent levels itself.

The bill now heads to the House Appropriations Committee, while its companion bill in the Senate had a public hearing on Wednesday afternoon.

40th Legislative District Representative Alex Ramel is a co-sponsor of the legislation.