Washington Democrats resurrect rent control proposal

(The Center Square) – Democrats in the Washington State Legislature are taking another run at rent control with pre-filed legislation to that effect for the 105-day session that starts Monday. Rep. Emily Alvarado, D-Seattle, pre-filed House Bill 2117 this week. “It caps rent increases at 7% annually, but it lets landlords set the rent however they like at the start of the tenancy,” Alvarado explained at a Friday morning press conference announcing the legislation. The lawmaker said she’s constantly hearing from renters in her district about out-of-control rent increases.