SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 1043

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

               Law & Justice, February 24, 1998

Title:  An act relating to the regulation of residential landlord‑tenant duties.

Brief Description:  Requiring the state landlord/tenant act to preempt all other local landlord/tenant acts.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Law & Justice (originally sponsored by Representatives Schoesler, Dunn and Smith).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Law & Justice:  4/3/97, 2/18/98, 2/24/98 [DPA, DNPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

  Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Johnson, Vice Chair; Goings, Long, McCaslin, Stevens and Zarelli.

Minority Report:  Do not pass as amended.

  Signed by Senators Kline and Thibaudeau.

Staff:  Harry S. Steinmetz (786-7421)

Background:  Currently, local jurisdictions may establish some rights and responsibilities for landlords and tenants that are more restrictive than state law.  As a result, disputes between landlords and tenants can have different legal outcomes in different jurisdictions.

Summary of Amended Bill:  All regulation of landlord-tenant relations in Washington is preempted by the state, except for local ordinances enacted prior to January 1, 1999, and any health and safety regulations that are not otherwise covered by state landlord-tenant laws.

Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill:  The date for local ordinances enacted prior to January 1, 1997 is changed to January 1, 1999.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Students at WSU who are from other areas of the state are finding a different set of rules regarding landlord-tenant relations.  It is confusing because the expectations do not conform to the reality of the local rules.  Entrepreneurs want consistency between jurisdictions. This bill will provide consistency.  Consistent public policy across the state will benefit consumers and businesses.  Additionally, there are protections in the bill for local issues on tenant safety.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Rep. Schoesler, prime sponsor (pro).