From dated to dazzling, we will make your property move-in ready with our expert renovations. Start with a free, no-obligation walk-through to craft a tenant-focused upgrade—covering everything from plumbing to fixtures. Our proven systems, skilled teams, and high-quality construction materials ensure a long-lasting, modern transformation that attracts quality tenants for years, boosting property value. Your project will finish on time and on budget.
Spokane Welcomes RHAWA’s New
Office with a Packed Open House
Melissa Canfield | RHAWA Deputy Director |  mcanfield@RHAwa.org |
The Rental Housing Association of Washington celebrated the opening of its new Spokane office with a lively open house that drew members, local officials, and community partners from across Eastern Washington. The event, held in September, marked a significant milestone in RHAWA’s continued growth and commitment to serving housing providers statewide.
For decades, RHAWA has been the trusted resource for rental housing providers throughout Washington State. With its new office in Spokane, the association is improving its footprint to better support members east of the Cascades. This updated presence reflects RHAWA’s mission to ensure housing providers have the premier support they need to thrive in an increasingly complex housing landscape.
The new location for the Spokane office demonstrates RHAWA’s long-term commitment to local engagement. Relocating to the City of Spokane allows members who prefer in-person services to still come by and visit the office if they choose, while also allowing for more streamlined engagement with local advocacy groups, industry partners, and local lawmakers.
The open house was a resounding success, with strong attendance from RHAWA members, lawmakers, and community stakeholders. Guests were greeted with refreshments, hors d’oeuvres, and a full tour of the new office space, which will serve as a hub for advocacy meetings and member support.
Adding to the excitement, several Spokane City Councilmembers and local candidates stopped by to show their support and meet with housing providers. Their participation underscored the importance of open dialogue between policymakers and the rental housing industry, which is a
hallmark of RHAWA’s approach to advocacy.
The event offered an opportunity for attendees to connect directly with decision-makers, share perspectives on local housing issues, and discuss the importance of balanced housing policy. The collaborative atmosphere set a positive tone for RHAWA’s growing presence in the region.
Beyond the ribbon-cutting and introductions, the open house served a deeper purpose: connection. Many members who have long participated in RHAWA trainings or webinars from afar were able to meet staff and fellow housing providers in person for the first time. The energy in the room reflected enthusiasm for community-building and shared purpose among those who provide quality rental housing in Eastern Washington.
By maintaining a consistent presence in Spokane, RHAWA aims to foster more balanced, data-driven conversations about housing policy—an approach that has long guided the association’s work across Washington. With housing issues increasingly debated at both the state and local levels, having a dedicated office in Spokane ensures that Eastern Washington members receive timely information, direct support, and representation in legislative discussions that affect them.
The success of the open house was an encouraging sign of what lies ahead. RHAWA plans to continue its strong engagement with the Spokane community, which was underscored by both this event as well as our Housing Provider workshop hosted in Spokane Valley.
Throughout the rest of the year, RHAWA will continue to host in-person LINK meetings in Spokane to bring members together and share our resources in a
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Interview with Chris Savage: Candidate for Spokane City Council
Daniel Klemme | Membership Development & Government Affairs |  dklemme@RHAwa.org |  (206) 905-0611
Daniel Klemme at RHAWA sat down with Chris Savage, a lifelong Spokane resident and candidate for Spokane City Council, to talk about housing affordability, public safety, and what he hopes to bring to City Hall.
Q: Chris, could you tell us a little bit about yourself and why you’re running for the Spokane City Council?
A: I’m a lifelong resident of Spokane—31 years here. I grew up in the city, went through both public and private schools, and later graduated from North Central High School. From there, I attended Western Washington University, where I studied Politics, Philosophy, and Economics, with a minor in German.
After college, I returned home to care for my father, who was very ill. When he passed away in 2017, it pushed me to get involved in my community and consider running for office. I’ve served on the Spokane Water Conservation Commission, the Community Assembly, my neighborhood council, and several other committees.
Professionally, I’ve worked with Meals on Wheels, which delivers 600–800 meals a day in Spokane, providing not only food but companionship to isolated residents. Currently, I work as a courier at DuBray Business Services, transporting medical records and equipment during the week and handling library routes on weekends.
Q: Housing affordability is a big issue for RHAWA members. What reforms would you prioritize to increase rental housing in Spokane?
A: First, I’d like to reform—or even remove—the city’s rental registry. It hasn’t delivered meaningful results, and it suppresses mom-and-pop landlords who own only a single rental. We need fewer regulatory barriers so more housing can be built.
The truth is, we simply don’t have enough housing supply. Spokane has restricted inventory and high demand,
which is driving up prices. I’ve seen bungalows that used to cost $80,000 or $90,000 now going for $300,000. That kind of inflation is pricing families out. We need more options to bring costs down and keep future generations in Spokane.
Q: Safety is also top of mind for our
members. Would you support stronger local rules to evict dangerous tenants—for example, those selling drugs or threatening neighbors?
A: Yes, absolutely. Tenant safety must come first. If someone is endangering others, we need to make sure citizens feel safe in their homes. Housing should be a refuge, not a risk.
First, I’d like to reform—or even remove— the city’s rental registry. It hasn’t delivered meaningful results, and it suppresses momand-pop landlords who own only a single rental. We need fewer regulatory barriers so more housing can be built..
– Candidate Chris Savage
Q: When you’re out doorbelling in your district, what concerns are people raising most often?
A: The top two concerns are public safety downtown and the homelessness crisis.
Many residents feel downtown is unsafe. That perception keeps people from visiting local businesses, which hurts our sales tax revenue and worsens the city’s financial deficit.
The second issue is homelessness. The current council’s “scattered-site” shelter model has pushed problems into neighborhoods. Residents are seeing more disruptive and unsafe behavior in schools, parks, and residential areas. It’s not working for the community or for those who need help. We need to move away from that model and get back to approaches that keep neighborhoods safe while actually addressing addiction and homelessness effectively.
Q: On safety, voters approved Proposition 1 by 75% to prohibit encampments near schools, childcare facilities, and parks. Would you advocate restoring it as passed?
A: Yes, unequivocally. That measure was for our kids, who are on the front lines of this crisis. It shouldn’t have been watered down. I will advocate to reinstate it, as the voters approved.
Q: What about policing? Do you support adding more officers?
A: Yes. We’re down about 44 officers, and it shows. Speeding is rampant, property crimes are up, and we don’t have a dedicated crime unit anymore. Residents are paying the price.
We need to restore the traffic unit to historic staffing levels and ensure officers have the resources and authority to deter crime. Public safety can’t be compromised.
Q: How do you see working with
NOVEMBER CALENDAR
Denise Myers | Program Director |  dmyers@RHAwa.org |  (206) 905-0614
PLEASE
NOTE:
Our event sales are subject to WA State tax as of October 1. To cover this cost, the price of Individual class prices will increase to $35 for members. Non-member pricing will increase to $220 for law topics and $70 for all other topics.
ALL CLASS SESSIONS ARE PRESENTED ONLINE ONLY UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED.
For all ONLINE classes, 30-day access to a recording of the session is included. Upgrade your membership to include a premium dues package. The Weekly ONLINE Session Package includes 12-months' access to live weekly ONLINE educational sessions for $250/person/year. The ONDEMAND Library Package provides full access to over one hundred recorded educational sessions for $120/person/year.
NEGOTIATING SOLUTIONS WITH YOUR TENANT
When: Wednesday, November 5 | 3-4:30pm
Cost: $35 Members | $220 Guests
Successful housing providers know that satisfied tenants mean lower turnover and associated expenses. If you have a tenant with a good track record, why not be open to finding solutions when they want to add another occupant, a pet, or perhaps an upgraded fixture? It might make sense to work with them on rent payments if they have a temporary financial problem, or perhaps negotiating terms will help them move out and move on if necessary. Attorney and housing provider Chris Benis will share best practices when negotiating with tenants in various circumstances to meet your goals while respecting the tenant's needs and rights.
VETERAN’S DAY – OFFICE CLOSURE
When: Tuesday, November 11
MANUFACTURED HOUSING COMMUNITIES WORKSHOP
When: Thursday, November 13 | 2-4:30 PM
Cost: $35 Members | $220 Guests
Review the state and local laws that govern the operation of manufactured housing communities in the State of Washington. Attorney Brad Drury will discuss various aspects of the MHLTA as it relates to all phases of a tenancy including screening of applicants, the rental agreement, legal duties of the landlord and the tenant, preparing and serving notices and the unlawful detainer process. We will also review laws enacted in several local governments across the state.
LINK MEETINGS
Casual member meetings with topical discussions. No fee, simply order and pay for food at restaurant venues. The August discussion will cover Engage25, a two-day-housing conference offering expert-led sessions, keynotes, and networking opportunities.
• Vancouver | Tuesday, November 11, 6-7:30pm Cancelled!
• Tukwila | Tuesday, November 11, 6:30-8pm Cancelled!
• St. Andrews Pub, Seattle | Thursday, November 13, 6-8pm
• Darcy’s, Spokane Valley | Monday, November 17, 12-1:30pm
• Dave & Buster’s, Bellevue | Tuesday, November 18, 6-8pm
• Ben Dews, Tacoma | Thursday, November 20, 6-7:30pm
• Bob’s Burgers, Everett | Thursday, November 20, 18 6:30-8pm
*Meeting time and subject may change. Please check the calendar at RHAwa.org/events.
REGISTRATION AND INSPECTION: TUKWILA
When: Thursday, November 20 | 2-3 PM
Cost: $35 Members | $70 Guests
Do you have properties you need to register? Are you concerned about the inspection process? Do you have questions about how it all works? Licensed rental inspector, Lisa Lotus, and representatives from the City of Tukwila will walk us through the registration process, a typical inspection, and what happens if you need to make corrections.
Kevin Schilling has been a friend of RHAWA for a number of years, and during that time, he has served on the Burien City Council and was eventually elected Mayor. Schilling works for the Washington State Dental Association as their Advocacy Director, and now Mayor Schilling is hoping to take his experience and advocacy to Olympia for his home District 33. For my Candidate Profile of Kevin Schilling, check out the June issue of Current. This time around, I had the pleasure of a more lengthy discussion with the state representative candidate as he joined Housing Matters. Our conversation covered history, national and local politics, and the how he believes his party needs to adapt for the future.
Schilling spoke to the difficulty of separating local and federal politics for voters and Burien blazing its own trail outside of traditional King County bounds.
“For some reason, the area's political mindset is tied directly to what's going on in DC. That's the biggest frustration, because, when we've push back, when the city variance pushed back on King County and said, wait a second, we're allowed to do what we want to do as a city. We're not controlled by you the county government we are allowed to do what we want to do. I think it sent a really big message to a lot of other cities in the area be careful if you don't do what King County wants you to do or not want you to do, then you're going to get into trouble.”
We discussed the homelessness issues that he very passionately moved toward a workable solution that many in his own party fervently disagreed with. “We were one of the few cities that didn't have any kind of regulation around it. So, Covid was kind of ending and moving on, and I kind of stood up in 2023 and said, this is crazy. We need to help people like we need to get them off the streets and into services and treatment. It's ultimately up to them to
Everything is controlled by Democrats. Where's my utopia? If we 100% know our policies are the best policies in the world, then why isn't this area the best place ever?
make that decision, to choose to accept that service. And if they don't, we have to say, we can't allow unregulated tent encampments in the city next to the library and parks, the schools in neighborhoods, how is this fair to anybody when we're offering services? So, one of the things we did, in my first term and going into being mayor, was, put a lot of money into service outreach because it was a big priority.”
Mayor Schilling didn’t mince words when he spoke to his own party’s inaction and inability to react and adapt to policies that work and don’t work.
“Everything is controlled by Democrats. Where's my utopia? Like, if everything, if we 100% know our policies are the best policies in the world, then why isn't this area the best place
ever? And that's my push, and my test within the Democratic Party, you have successfully made everybody afraid to think differently. Cool. But, we haven't done anything. We haven't built more housing. We haven't fixed homelessness. We don't have the best public transit system in the world. We don't have a massive amount of new businesses starting here and growing and supporting entrepreneurs.”
Why are you running for State Representative, and what do you want to do?
“I'm running because, what we were talking about, around actually showing we can govern. Well, I'm running because I think right now, we're in a point in time with our state where we can either continue to go down the path
we've been going, which is like one of higher taxes and policies that make us less safe, or we can actually be a state that shows that policies we make help grow housing, grow wages, keep people safer. And by being someone who's been on the ground as a city council member and a mayor of a city, I can see firsthand that revenues are going down because the economy's not growing. Policies that are being pushed by the state are basically unfunded mandates that we then have to try to implement, that don't work.”
For my full interview with the Burien Mayor and State Representative Candidate, check out the latest episode of Housing Matters at RHAwa.org/podcast or search Housing Matters wherever you get your podcasts.
– Mayor Kevin Schilling
RHAWA Partners with INTELLIRENT to Provide Free Resident Screening & Rental Marketing Tools for Members
Eliminate
Attract,
Seattle, WA – The Rental Housing Association of Washington (RHAWA), the state’s largest association for rental housing providers, is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with Intellirent, a leading rental technology platform. Through this new alliance, RHAWA members will receive free access to Intellirent’s powerful resident screening and rental marketing tools, bringing modern efficiencies, compliance assurance, and fraud prevention directly into the hands of Washington’s housing providers.
This partnership underscores both organizations’ commitment to supporting landlords, property managers, and housing providers statewide with innovative, cost-saving resources while raising the standards of rental housing in Washington.
Comprehensive, Modern Tools for
RHAWA
Members
With this partnership, every RHAWA member will gain access to Intellirent’s
complete rental application and screening suite at no cost. Designed for all housing providers, from independent owners to large property management firms, the platform delivers:
• Comprehensive Resident Screening Reports: Instant access to Experian® credit reports and background checks, including *nationwide criminal and eviction histories, ensuring data is reliable and legally compliant.
• Included Employment and Tenancy Verifications: Intellirent contacts employers and landlords electronically and personally, reducing turnaround times while improving accuracy in verifications.
• Fraud Detection and Prevention Tools: Built-in safeguards help identify altered documents and suspicious applicant information, ensuring members can make decisions with confidence.
• Compliance-Ready Reporting : Screening results are automatically formatted with legal
compliance in mind, tailored for Washington state’s evolving rental housing laws and Fair Chance Ordinance considerations for Seattle properties.
• Property Marketing and Listing Syndication: Vacancies can be published quickly on 70+ leading internet listing sites, reaching qualified renters faster and helping reduce vacancy losses.
• Team and Brand Tools: Members can add staff into shared accounts with permission controls, and dashboards can be customized to reflect company branding for a professional experience.
• Renter Resumes™: Automatically generate a Renter Resume™ for each applicant to easily review credit score, background report, verified income & employment, pet information, vehicle registration, and scanned documents.
Supporting RHAWA Members’ Mission
“This partnership speaks directly to the needs of our members,” said Melissa Canfield, Deputy Director of RHAWA. “We know the increasing regulatory complexity and the rise in application fraud have created real challenges for rental housing providers. Intellirent provides automated compliance, advanced fraud prevention, and marketing solutions that simplify the process and give our members peace of mind - all without added cost.”
By offering these tools as a free benefit of RHAWA membership, the association continues its mission of building stronger, more informed housing providers in Washington State.
Raising the Standard of Resident Screening
Intellirent tools are trusted by property management teams, landlords, real estate agents, and brokers nationwide, is transforming the way housing providers evaluate and onboard residents. The company’s focus on user-friendly,
compliance-oriented technology made it a natural fit for RHAWA.
“We are thrilled to partner with RHAWA to deliver these vital tools to Washington’s rental community,” said Kathleen Castro, Client Success Manager at Intellirent. “By combining RHAWA’s leadership in advocacy and education
cants at support@myintellirent.com or by calling (415) 849-4400
About Intellirent
Intellirent is a rental housing technology platform providing innovative tools for rental applications, resident screening, marketing, compliance, and fraud prevention. Trusted nationwide,
Intellirent has brought consistency and ease to our company’s marketing and application processes. Direct access to so many rental sites has meant more potential tenants reach out to view vacancies. But the true favorite is the application process. Results are comprehensive - some nearly instantaneously – and the system is easy for both the applicant and the rentor to navigate. In addition, the stellar customer service team and an ability to brand and tailor the application has made our transition to Intellirent a successful one.
Deb Doran, Meridian Management Group
IMPORTANT WARNING
There has been confusion where people thought the 2025 cap still applied to notices being served through the end of this year.
• It is too late to serve a notice for an increase using the 2025 cap!
• Rent Increases that go into effect in 2025 are subject to a 10% Cap.
• Any increase served now, effective in 2026, must comply with a 9.683% cap.
• Rent Increases that go into effect in 2026 are subject to a 9.683% Cap.
with our technology, we aim to empower members to thrive in an increasingly complex rental market. Together, we’re improving efficiency, reducing risks, and supporting fair housing practices across the state.”
Member Access and Support
All RHAWA members can begin using Intellirent starting October 20. Dedicated customer support is also available for both members and their appli-
Intellirent is designed to serve all housing providers, from independent landlords to large management firms, by simplifying workflows and improving decision-making in residential leasing. Learn more at myintellirent.com
In Washington’s 2025 legislative session, two bills had a huge impact on manufactured/mobile housing communities (MHC). While HB 1003 impacted both types of housing exactly the same, HB 1217 has several sections –some for MHC and some for Residential. Several local governments have enacted rental regulations that apply equally to both residential and manufactured housing communities.
MHC Move-In Cost Caps
New Move-in cost caps will vary based on the presence of pets in the home.
• If the tenant moves in without pets, move-in fees and deposits combined cannot exceed one month’s rent.
• If the tenant moves in with pets, move-in fees and deposits combined cannot exceed two months’ rent.
• This does not apply to any tenancies that began prior to May 7, 2025.
Related Local Law Requirements: Move-in fees and deposits cannot exceed one month’s rent:
• City of Kenmore (KMC 8.55)
• City of Kirkland (KMC 7.75)
• City of Redmond (RMC 9.54)
• City of SeaTac (SMC 4.05)
• City of Woodinville (WMC 8.16)
• King County (KCC 12.25.040-140)
Late Rent Fee Cap
Late rent fees are limited on a scale based on the number of months late:
• 1 month = 2%
• 2 months = 3%
• 3 months or more = 5%.
Related Local Law Requirements:
• Fees or costs shall not exceed 2% of one month’s rent.
- City of SeaTac (SMC 4.05)
• Fees or costs shall not exceed 1.5% of one month’s rent.
- City of Kenmore (KMC 8.55)
- City of Redmond (RMC 9.54)
- King County (KCC 12.25.040140)
Rent Increase Cap and Notice Requirements
Any rent increase notice that did not take effect prior to May 7th must have complied with the following, or is invalid and should be served AGAIN under new regulations, including…
• Annual rent increase must not exceed 5%.
• Notices to increase rent must be served per 59.12.040 like an eviction notice. See the Notice Service Instructions + Declaration of Ser-
vice referenced in the Tenant Notices pages for updated, detailed procedures on serving notices.
• Statutory notice form must be used for all rent increases detailed in HB 1217 for MHC properties.
Related Local Law Requirements:
Any total rent increase greater than 3% requires 120 days’ notice.
• City of Issaquah (IMC 5.52)
• City of Kenmore (KMC 8.55)
• City of Kirkland (KMC 7.75)
• City of Redmond (RMC 9.54)
• City of SeaTac (SMC 4.05)
• City of Woodinville (WMC 8.16)
• King County (KCC 12.25.040-140)
RHAWA LEGAL FORMS
These forms provided by RHAWA are designed for use by MHC community owner/managers where the tenant owns their home and rents only the lot from management.
1. Application & Screening
• Adverse Action Notice (RHAWA Screening)
• Adverse Action Notice (Other Screening)
• Adverse Action Notice (Azibo Screening)
• Alternate Identification List
• Application Criteria Guidelines
• Application for Tenancy
• Washington Fair Housing Poster
2. Lease Documents
• Rental Agreement*
• Rules and Regulations (example)*
• Additional Clause Addendum
• Assistance Animal Addendum
• Crime Free Addendum
• Military Clause Addendum
• Older Person Housing Fair Housing Exemption Addendum
• Septic Tank Addendum
• Tenant Designee Addendum
3. Tenant Notices & Other Communications
• Rent And Fee Increase Notice To Tenants (MHC) (AKA, 3-Month Rent Increase Notice)*
• 14 or 30-Day Pay or Vacate Notice*
• 20-Day Notice to Comply*
• Assignment of Rental Agreement*
• Notice Service Instructions & Declaration of Service*
• Invoice and Payment Schedule for Past Due Rent
• Maintenance Request Notice
• Notice of Mediation
• Notice to Owner/Agent of Intent to Sell
• Occupancy Agreement
• Rent / Fee Invoice
• Tenant Complaint Notice
• Tenant's Payment Receipt
• Tenant's Termination of Tenancy Notice
• Transfer Ownership/Management Notice
Denise Myers
• Transient Storage Agreement (29 Day)
• Waiver of One-Year Rental Agreement
*Revised in 2025 to comply with new laws.
RHAWA Education & Support
All MHC Members receive access to education and support designed specifically for manufactured housing community owners/managers in Washington State.
Manufactured Housing Com-
munities Workshop
Review the state and local laws that govern the operation of manufactured housing communities in the State of Washington. Attorney Brad Drury will discuss various aspects of the MHLTA as it relates to all phases of a tenancy, including screening of applicants, the rental agreement, legal duties of the landlord and the tenant, preparing and serving notices, and the unlawful detainer process. We will also review laws enacted in several local governments across the state.
This course will be offered live on November 13 and will then update last year’s version, currently available in Free OnDemand Education.
Manufactured Housing Resources + Support
Get answers to your questions about operating manufactured housing communities in Washington State. If you are unable to find an answer to your question in an article, submit your question and our Support Center staff will respond with help from a Member MHC Attorney.
Articles:
• 2025 Changes to Notices and Rent Increases (MHC)
• Landlord’s Prohibited Acts (MHC)
• Landlord Duties (MHC)
• Serving of Notices (MHC)
• Enforceable Rules (MHC)
Formal legal advice and review is recommended prior to selection and use of this information. RHAWA does not represent your selection or execution of this information as appropriate for your specific circumstance. The material contained and represented herein, although obtained from reliable sources, is not considered legal advice or to be used as a substitution for legal counsel.
Industry in Motion
Submissions are compiled and printed, depending on space available. RHAWA does not guarantee submissions will be included.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Interested in Submitting Your Annoucement?
We welcome information about industry job postings, new employee and location information, and more. If you have questions, or would like to submit an item for consideration, email publications@RHAwa.org.
NEW VENDOR MEMBER
Join us in extending a warm welcome to our newest vendor members as they join the RHAWA community!
We strive for accuracy, but if you spot an error in our newspaper content, please let us know and we’ll be happy to correct it.
LOCAL RENTAL HOUSING
November 2025
With the pace of local rental housing policy, it can often be difficult to keep up with what these regulations are and how they came to be. Luckily, RHAWA is your resource to learn about developments in rental housing policy and how to advocate for your business. We often see trends in local rental housing policy, and this year, there are two major issue areas that local city councils are attempting to address: Algorithmic rent pricing and “junk fees”. The approach to regulating these issues has varied, but this breakdown will give you a good idea of what these policies are shaping up to be and where they have been implemented and proposed.
Bans on Algorithmic Rent Pricing
Those who were deeply involved in the 2025 Legislative Session will remember that a bill banning algorithmic rent pricing failed to pass at the state level. While most of our members do not use the kinds of services this piece of legislation was targeting, RHAWA advocated to make sure our members would not be caught in the crossfire between the State and large corporations that utilize these kinds of services. Resulting from this bill failing, two local municipalities (Seattle and King County)
have passed their own regulations on these services, and it is likely we will continue to see other versions in the near future.
The Seattle and King County versions of this policy were nearly identical, and it is crucial to take a moment and understand how this language impacts the use of these services.
In Seattle’s version of the ban, violations read as follows:
• It is a violation of this Chapter 7.34 for any landlord, in or affecting commerce, to contract with or otherwise exchange anything of value in return for the coordinating services of a service provider.
• It is a violation of this Chapter 7.34 for any service provider, in or affecting commerce, to provide coordinating services to two or more landlords.
• It is not a violation of this Chapter 7.34 for a landlord to use a system or software recordkeeping tool absent otherwise prohibited conduct under this Chapter 7.34.
The City Council further clarifies the definition of “coordinate” in order to ensure that this policy does not impact those who are simply using market data in order to price their units: “Coordinate” and “coordinating” mean a service provider’s: (1) collecting historical, anticipated, or contemporary prices, price changes, supply levels,
occupancy rates, or lease or rental contract termination and renewal dates of residential dwelling units from two or more landlords, from private databases, or from public databases; and (2) analyzing or processing the information described in (1) through the use of a system or software that utilizes an algorithmic or other automated process to provide recommendations regarding rental prices, lease renewal terms, or occupancy levels to more than one landlord. “Coordinate” and “Coordinating” do not include publishing rental price estimates that:
• They are solely based on publicly available information.
• Are equally available to all members of the public; and
• Do not require a contract or agreement to obtain.
I understand this may be confusing to those who are not actively involved in analyzing the impact of rental regulations. But the way this policy is written is likely to have no impact on your business activities if you are not obtaining proprietary information from a paid service AND using that information in an automated service, which will give you rental pricing recommendations. Most members use data sources that contain publicly available information and simply price their rental units in accordance with comparable properties.
Similarly, King County passed its
version of the bill, which includes the following language for violations:
• It is a violation of this chapter for two or more landlords to enter into an agreement, including but not limited to written, verbal, or implied from conduct, to establish rental prices, consistent with federal law.
• It is a violation of this chapter for a landlord, in or affecting commerce, to contract with or otherwise exchange anything of value in return for the coordinating services of a service provider.
• It is a violation of this chapter for a service provider, in or affecting commerce, to provide coordinating services to two or more landlords.
The definitions of “Coordinate” remain virtually the same as the Seattle version of this policy.
The most significant difference between the King County version of this policy and the Seattle version lies in the first line of violations, where King County added additional language regarding agreements between housing providers. This language was of great concern to RHAWA upon its initial presentation; however, the clarification that this language is “consistent with federal law” adds a layer of specificity to the language, which will not punish housing providers who are simply having a standard conversation about how they price their rental units. It must be
Daniel Bannon | RHAWA Advocacy Team | advocacy@RHAwa.org
REGULATION WATCH:
a specific, coordinated effort to price rental units in an unfair way in order to be a violation of this language.
Both of these policies show how subtle differences in the language used in rental housing policy can make a significant impact on how policies impact housing providers in the real world. RHAWA is always working with local and state governments to ensure that unintended consequences are minimized for the small housing providers who are the lifeblood of our organization.
It is likely that we will see more local governments setting their sights on banning algorithmic rent pricing. RHAWA will continue to be there to make sure the language in these laws is specific in targeting those who are actually engaging in unfair or deceptive business practices, while allowing our members to continue operating their rental businesses the right way.
Prohibiting “Junk Fees”
Regular readers of CURRENT will remember that the City of Bellingham proposed a set of policies that would ban a variety of specific fees in their attempt to prevent “junk fees” in lease agreements. This proposal was eventually reshaped to be less restrictive, but Bellingham remains the most strict jurisdiction in the state in regard to "junk Fees". However, this concept of “junk fees” is still present in discussions
around rental housing policy this year, and the City of Seattle may see regulations on this concept in the near future.
The Stay Housed Stay Healthy coalition has developed a list of potential “junk fee” regulations that greatly exceed nearly every standard set of policy proposals for excessive fees in the nation. While this list is not a policy proposal from the Seattle City Council, it is still crucial that we are observing and analyzing the ideas and proposals of other advocacy groups in the state. The SHSH list of potential “junk fee” regulations includes:
Application Fees: Cannot Exceed Actual Cost
Lease Signing Fees: Ban or Regulate
Lease Renewal Fees: Ban or Regulate
Pet Screening Fees: Ban or Regulate
Monthly Pest Control Fees: Ban or Regulate
Month to Month Fees: Ban or Regulate (These fees are already capped via HB 1217)
3rd Party Billing Fees: Ban charging tenants for online service fees
Inspection Fee: Ban or Regulate
In-Unit Appliance Rental Fees: Ban or Regulate
Lease Break Fee: Ban or Regulate Tenant should additionally not be responsible for the remainder of the rent
Utility Bill for Common Area: Ban or Regulate
Utility Late Fees: Ban or Regulate
Landlord Insurance Costs: Ban or Regulate
HVAC Activation Fee: Ban or Regulate
Deposit Processing Fee: Ban or Regulate
Advertising Fee: Ban or Regulate
Recommendations that exceed any previously proposed or implemented policies are bolded.
This is obviously a concerning list due to the fact that this goes far beyond any kind of specific fee regulation the nation has ever seen. To give some perspective, the following is a list of the more common fees that have been regulated in other states.
Caps on Screening Fees:
• California: Capped at $30
• Colorado: Capped at Actual Cost
• Connecticut: Capped at $50
• Hawaii: Capped at Actual Cost
• Illinois: May not charge a fee if a portable report meets the required criteria
• Maine: Capped at Actual Cost
• Maryland: Capped at Actual Cost
• New York: Capped at Actual Cost
• Rhode Island: Capped at Actual Cost, Must accept portable criminal BG check
• Vermont: Application Fees Banned
• Virginia: Capped at $50
Cap on Late Fees:
• Colorado: Must be 7 days late, capped at $50 or 5% of past due rent.
• Connecticut: $5 per day up to $50 or 5% of past due rent.
• Minnesota: Capped at 8% of past due rent.
 Continued on page 34
Daniel Bannon
Equal Rights for Condo Owners: Why Washington Must Redefine “Single-Family” Residences
In Washington state, the concept of “single-family residence” carries significant legal weight—especially when it comes to landlord-tenant relationships. Under RCW 59.18.650, owners of single-family homes are granted the right to terminate a tenancy upon its lease expiration date based on their intent to sell the property, or with adequate notice in a month-to-month tenancy. This provision, part of the state’s “just cause” eviction framework, was designed to balance tenant protections with the rights of individual homeowners. However, a glaring inconsistency in the law has left one group of homeowners out in the cold: condominium unit owners.
Despite owning their homes outright, condo owners are not afforded the same rights as single-family homeowners under the current legal definition. This discrepancy stems from how “single-family residence” is defined— not by ownership structure or use, but by whether the property has no shared walls or direct street access. As a result, individually owned condominium units, which do have distinct parcel numbers, are excluded from rights granted to single-family homeowners. It’s a technicality with real-world consequences—and it’s time for Washington to fix it.
The Legal Landscape: RCW 59.18.650 Explained
Among the 18 permissible “just cause” reasons to end a tenancy, one presents a particular thorn in the side of condominium unit owners: the intent to sell a single-family residence. Relying upon the definition found in RCW 59.18.030, this clause was crafted to prevent mass displacement in apartment communi-
ties when entire buildings are sold. It allows individual homeowners to reclaim their property for sale without navigating burdensome legal hurdles. But the law’s definition of “single-family residence” excludes condominium units—even though they are privately owned, individually taxed, and functionally equivalent to detached homes in many respects.
Condo Owners: Homeowners Without Equal Rights
Condominium owners in Washington are increasingly finding themselves trapped by this legal oversight. Imagine owning a condo unit, deciding to sell, and discovering that you cannot end a tenancy based on your intent to sell—while your neighbor in a detached home can. This unequal treatment undermines the very notion of homeownership. The issue is not theoretical. In cities like Seattle, where condominiums make up a significant portion of the housing stock, many owners rely on rental income to offset costs. When they decide to sell, they face delays, legal ambiguity, and potential financial loss—all because their homes don’t meet an outdated, and perhaps unintentional, definition.
The Parcel Number Solution
The most straightforward fix? “single-family residence” to include any housing unit with its own unique tax identification parcel number. This change would align the law with modern housing realities and ensure that all individual homeowners— whether they own a detached house or a condo—are treated equally. Parcel numbers are already used by county assessors to distinguish properties for taxation and ownership
purposes. They are objective, verifiable, and universally applied. By using parcel numbers as the defining criterion, the law would reflect the true nature of ownership rather than architectural form.
Equity, Not Exclusion
At its core, this issue is about equity. The current law inadvertently discriminates against a class of homeowners based on the structure of their property. It assumes that all multi-unit buildings are rental apartments owned by a single entity, ignoring the reality of individually owned condos. This exclusion not only harms condo owners—it also creates confusion for tenants, property managers, and legal professionals. A clear, inclusive definition would simplify enforcement, reduce litigation, and promote fairness across the board.
Urban Implications, Missed Opportunities
Washington’s urban centers are evolving. High-density housing, including condominiums, is essential to meeting the state’s growing population and sustainability goals. By failing to recognize condo units as single-family residences, the law discourages investment in this vital housing sector. Moreover, the current framework may be preventing opportunities for homeownership! The current law may serve to disincentivize condo unit owners from offering their homes as rental at all, for fear of being stuck with a “forever tenant” and thus removing a housing opportunity from the rental pool. The current law may also serve as a barrier to homeownership in that condo units are a very common “starter home” option, and such units are being withheld from the pool of homes to purchase because would-be sellers are, again, stuck with “forever tenants” and cannot vacate them in order to put the unit up for sale. If lawmakers in Washington are serious
about utilizing homeownership as a means for building wealth, particularly in minority communities, they should be duly motivated to reform this law. (Anecdotally, I am of the understanding that the law in its current form was not meant to preclude condo units from the same rights afforded to houses, but there has been “little appetite” on behalf of lawmakers to fix the problem).
Legislative Path Forward
Instead of referring to the global definition for a single-family residence in the RLTA, as it does now, RCW 59.18.650(2)(e) should include a unique definition describing a parcel that is primarily marketed and sold to individuals as their primary residence. It will be important to include preemption so that this definition supersedes several local laws that have their own problematic definitions for properties that can be vacated before selling. The amendment could include safeguards to prevent misuse, such as requiring documentation of ownership and intent to sell. Such a bill SHOULD garner bipartisan support, as it addresses a technical inconsistency without altering the broader goals of tenant protection. It’s a win-win for homeowners, renters, and housing advocates alike.
Conclusion: A Call for Common Sense
Washington prides itself on progressive housing policy. But progress means recognizing when laws need updating. By redefining the type of property that can be vacated before selling the state can ensure equal rights for all homeowners, promote housing stability, and uphold the principles of fairness and equity. It’s a small change with a big impact—and it’s time to make it happen. If you feel the same way, I encourage you to contact your local representatives and continue the push for this important legal reform.
Formal legal advice and review is recommended prior to selection and use of this information. RHAWA does not represent your selection or execution of this information as appropriate for your specific circumstance. The material contained and represented herein, although obtained from reliable sources, is not considered legal advice or to be used as a substitution for legal counsel.
Cory Brewer | Vice President of Residential Operations | Lori Gill & Associates Property Management | RHAWA Vendor Member
Cory Brewer
The 2025 RHAWA Holiday Gala returns on Saturday, December 13, and this year we’re celebrating under the stars at the Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle. This elegant, end-of-year gathering is not just a party—it’s one of the most memorable nights in Washington’s rental housing community.
Unlike a tradeshow, the Gala is all about connection and recognition. With no booths or exhibits, sponsors receive premium brand exposure through event materials, signage, gift branding, and more—all in front of a curated guest list of RHAWA members, industry leaders, and public officials.
Sponsorship options include creative, high-visibility placements like:
• Cocktail napkins & signage
• Holiday gift branding
• Parking signage & more
Your sponsorship includes complimentary tickets, digital advertising placements, and the chance to align your company with a feel-good, high-impact event that brings the community together.
With only three sponsorship opportunities available, this is an exclusive way to stand out and celebrate a strong year with your clients, peers, and the housing community at large.
To reserve your spot, reach out to Luke Brown at lbrown@RHAwa.org or (206) 905-0610. Sponsorships are limited and will be filled on a firstcome, first-served basis.
Luke Brown
A STATE OF UNITED HOUSING
RHAWA + CCRA Merger Develops Stronger Connec
Sean Flynn | RHAWA Board President & Executive Director |  president@RHAwa.org
Seattle, WA – Following years of connection and especially significant collaboration in the 2025 Legislative Session, the Rental Housing Association of Washington (RHAWA) and the Clark County Rental Association (CCRA) have combined forces and merged effective November 1, 2025. This merger represents a continued unification of rental housing providers across the state and will combine the strengths of both associations to bring an unprecedented level of resources and support to housing providers in Clark County.
CCRA was established in 1981, dedicated to educating and assisting housing providers across Southwest Washington. Providing strong representation and advocacy served as one of CCRA’s other great strengths, with members of the association driving all the way up to Olympia to advocate on behalf of themselves and their fellow housing providers. Throughout its 44-year history, CCRA’s leadership developed strong relationships with lawmakers at both the state and local level, allowing them to share the perspectives of their membership and keep the Clark County area as one of the least restrictive regions in the state. Bringing together the forces of CCRA and RHAWA will strengthen these relationships, amplifying the voices of Clark County housing providers. The decision to merge with RHAWA is indicative of CCRA’s commitment to offering its membership the highest level of resources and services, as has been the case since its creation.
deepened our connection to Spokane and Spokane Valley. RHAWA’s continued growth enhances our position as the largest rental housing association in Washington State. Over the last 90 years, RHAWA has evolved into the most valuable resource for independent rental property owners and managers and manufactured housing community owners by providing industry-leading benefits, including leases and forms, a Support Center featuring best practice articles, educational courses and events, advocacy, and more. The association promotes safe and affordable housing by modeling the highest standards of ethics and integrity. RHAWA’s advocacy efforts aim to ensure the relationship between housing providers and residents is equitable, defend property rights, and encourage safe housing practices and policies.
UNITING VOICES ACROSS THE STATE
As the political landscape continues to shift with new local and statewide regulations impacting housing providers and residents, it is critical to unite the rental housing industry and strengthen our influence on state and local policies. RHAWA will continue to ensure that rental housing providers are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the market and advocate for fair policies that benefit both providers and their residents. RHAWA tirelessly advocates on our members' behalf by:
RHAWA has existed under various names since 1935, starting out as a Seattle-based association that grew into a regional resource throughout the Puget Sound area. In the early 2000s, RHAWA merged with another regional organization, and in 2012, it took aim at becoming a statewide organization. In 2020, RHAWA launched a Manufactured Housing Communities membership. Most recently in 2024, RHAWA merged with the Inland Landlord Association (LLA), which
• Acting as a Trusted Resource for Policymakers: RHAWA has been the primary resource for policymakers and cultivates relationships with state and local lawmakers. These connections allow policymakers to seek our trusted advice to foster fair solutions to industry problems without placing undue burden upon housing providers. We have a team of policy analysts, lobbyists, communications specialists, and lawyers defending members’ interests.
• Supporting Candidates that Support the Industry: RHA Political Action Committee (PAC) works to elect candidates who recognize rental housing
Sean Flynn
CLARK COUNTY RENTAL ASSOCIATION
HOUSING PROVIDERS
tions for the Statewide Rental
Housing Landscape
as a valuable asset to communities, share a strong commitment to allowing rental housing to function as a market-based industry, and a willing to work with the rental housing industry toward the common goal of providing safe and healthy housing.
• Protecting the Industry through our Legal Defense Fund: Too often, regulations and burdens placed upon independent housing providers have unintended consequences, which harm rental housing providers and renters alike. RHAWA’s Legal Defense Fund has acted as the last line of defense to defend property rights for nearly 90 years. Today, we are in an era of high litigation, and RHAWA continues the tradition of initiating, defending, intervening in, and forestalling litigation where the legal issues are of substantial significance to the rental housing industry. The RHAWA Legal Defense Fund helps fortify the rental housing industry; it is there to protect our membership when a significant legal issue threatens the rental housing industry.
THE FUTURE OF RHAWA IS BRIGHT & YOUR MEMBERSHIP GRANTS YOU EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS
• Attorney-Reviewed Leases & Forms: RHAWA members gain unlimited access to an extensive library of online leases and forms that are tailored specifically to state and city laws unique to Washington. They are updated and reviewed as laws change by an experienced landlord-tenant attorney.
• Education: RHAWA believes strongly that education is a key component to owning and managing rental housing, maximizing the return on your investment, and being a community partner, which is why 14+ hours of FREE education are included with each annual membership. The Rental Housing Academy (RHA) education program is designed to provide independent housing providers, MHC owners, and others in the residential housing industry with a foundation of knowledge and skills to help them meet legal
responsibilities and succeed in the business. Classes are offered ONLINE and ONDEMAND
• Industry Events: RHAWA provides a variety of must-attend events throughout the year, including a Spring Workshop & Tradeshow, the ENGAGE –Fall Expo & Annual Business Meeting, and the Holiday Gala. LINK Meetings are informal monthly meetups held throughout Washington.
• Support Center & Community Forum: RHAWA’s Support Center provides instant self-help articles for most questions anytime. Article content is reviewed and updated by industry experts, including RHAWA staff, attorneys, and property management professionals. Members also gain access to our Community Forum, which taps into the collective knowledge of our membership.
• Advocacy at the Local & State Level: RHAWA diligently tracks the ever-changing landscape of rental housing regulation in various jurisdictions across Washington State. We actively craft or amend bill language and lead coalitions to combat onerous policies.
• Grassroots Mobilization: RHAWA mobilizes members into action, inundating the Capitol or city council with messages when necessary, or sharing members’ experiences with the media.
This merger is the result of extensive collaboration between RHAWA leadership and CCRA leadership. A special thank you goes out to the CCRA Board, CCRA Merger task force, Deputy Director Melissa Canfield, and Engagement Coordinator Daniel Bannon. This combination would not have been possible but for their passion and commitment to building a single, stronger, unified association. The staff and Board of Directors of RHAWA look forward to serving the housing providers of Clark County. RHAWA will continue to grow its membership across the State of Washington. From Bellingham to Vancouver, Seattle to Spokane, RHAWA is the trusted source for all the needs an independent housing provider may have.
2025 HOLIDAY Gala STEP INTO THE ICE PALACE IN STYLE
Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 13, 2025, when the Seattle Sculpture Park will be transformed into a dazzling Winter Wonderland. This year’s Holiday Gala promises an evening of elegance, enchantment, and celebration as we close out the year together in unforgettable style.
A Magical Setting
Imagine stepping into an icy palace sparkling beneath the city skyline, where the beauty of the Sculpture Park sets the stage for a night filled with warmth, sparkle, and community. Guests will be swept into a frosty wonderland, surrounded by glowing décor, glittering accents, and breathtaking views of the Puget Sound. Every detail will invite you to leave the ordinary behind and step into a world of winter wonder.
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 6pm – 10pm
Location: Seattle Sculpture Park
Address: 2901 Western Avenue, Seattle, WA
Tickets & Details: RHAwa.org/events/gala
Contact for more information: cmoser@RHAwa.org
A Taste of Celebration
Prepare for a night that shimmers with seasonal joy! Enjoy a festive evening filled with music, dancing, and delightful bites served all night long by Shooby Doo Catering. With catered seasonal favorites and decadent treats to sample, guests can mingle, sip, and savor the evening’s magic at their own pace.
Dancing and Delights
This is your night to dance, laugh, and celebrate! The evening will be filled with lively music, laughter, and the rhythm of the season. From your first bite to your last dance step, every moment will be designed to delight, giving you a chance to celebrate the season with friends, colleagues, and fellow members of our community. In keeping with our festive, social party vibes, we’ve replaced the traditional sit-down dinner with an elevated spread of “heavy” appetizers and artfully
crafted refreshments served throughout the evening. So come ready to mix, mingle, and make memories that sparkle as brightly as the décor.
Dress to Impress
Step into the evening in formal sparkling style, embracing the theme with icy silver and glacial blue that channel the beauty and brilliance of an ice palace. Whether your look leans toward understated elegance or bold sparkle, let your personality shine as brightly as the night itself. This is your chance to dazzle—so bring your best winter chic and own the dance floor in style.
Join Us
The RHAWA Holiday Gala is more than an event—it’s our way of saying thank you to our members, celebrating our community, and sharing the joy of the season together. Raise a glass, reconnect with colleagues and friends, and toast to the year ahead. With a setting this magical, it’s sure to be a night you’ll remember long after the last snowflake falls.
VENDOR LISTINGS
We encourage you to consider the vendors found within these listings for your rental business needs. When seeking competitive bids, be sure to mention your RHAWA membership as many offer member discounts. RHAWA does not specifically endorse any business listed herein. References are always recommended. If you would like to submit a customer testimonial for our records, please submit to publications@RHAwa.org. Please note that changes made to a vendor member profile will not be reflected in the CURRENT Vendor Listings unless the change is also sent to publications@RHAwa.org.
Gary Borracchini (425) 822-8121 | thewalldoctor.com
Rental Housing Association of Washington Denise Myers (206) 283-0816 | RHAwa.org
MAINTENANCE + REPAIR
A&A Electric (206) 212-1888 | anaelectric.com Fast Water Heater Company (866) 554-2448 | fastwaterheater.com Lifetime Heating (425) 200-4999 lifetimeheating.com clintw@lifetimeheating.com Reinhart Electric & Service (425) 251-5201
ESTATE PLANNING
Flynn and Associates, PLLC
Sean Flynn (206) 330-0608 | theflynnfirm.com
Olympic Estate Group, LLC G.A. “Jeri” Schuhmann (206) 799-0544 jerischuhmann1@gmail.com
This update alert includes a high-level summary of changes only. Please refer to the revised forms for full details. Always download the latest version to stay in compliance.
OCTOBER 8, 2025 LEASE REVISIONS
All four Residential lease/agreement forms found at RHAwa.org/rental-formsleases-notices#Section2 were revised to include the changes listed below:
 Section 12: A New paragraph was added to clarify that changing individual parties of an ongoing group tenancy does not reset the agreement terms in any way as relates to rent control or just cause termination laws. It also includes details about how the security deposit and any existing damages are to be reconciled between the continuing, outgoing, and incoming tenants.
 Section 13: Addition clarifies that utilities are considered rent.
 Section 23: Changes make renters’ insurance with $300k liability coverage mandatory unless the landlord enters a different dollar amount or selects an option to waive the requirement.
 Section 29: A summary of mandatory steps prior to giving keys to the tenant was added.
Most people are familiar with the term “buy local” referring to supporting small businesses, farms, or industries in your local area instead of giving your business to a big corporate company headquartered on the opposite side of the country. Well, this November, let’s consider a new term, “Vote Local”
Off-year elections always have a lower voter turnout than the more glamorous midterms and certainly a presidential election year, but the off years are when many local changes are made. Local changes on your city council, or your school board, or even the mayor’s office. That’s why you always want to stay abreast of what is going on in your local community. Keep your hand on the local pulse. Believe me, I understand the constant barrage of information about what is happening in the other Washington, but especially in years like this, try to keep your focus on what your vote has the power to change. Agree or disagree with what is happening in Washington, DC, this year, local matters. What could your
vote change right outside your door, not on Pennsylvania Avenue.
There are a plethora of city and county council seats up for grabs all over the state, as well as a few special elections for the state legislature. Keep it local.
Think about what you would like to see change within a few miles of where you live. A city council member will be much more helpful in that situation than anybody in DC. Whether you live in Vancouver, Seattle, Tacoma, Pullman, Yakima, Spokane, or any other town or city, you will have the chance to Vote Local in November. Make your voice heard and change something at home.
Another aspect that is often not considered about the importance of just the voter turnout itself in the odd-year election cycles, this voter turnout affects the ability for ballot initiatives. Let me explain a little bit. Ballot initiatives have become an ever more popular political tool not just in Washington State, but across the entire United States. Why? Because just like in DC,
many local and state governments are gridlocked about what to do and how to vote. We are becoming increasingly polarized, not just nationally, but locally. 38 states, 38, have what is called a “trifecta government”. A trifecta government is when one party, either Democrat OR Republican, controls the governor’s office, both chambers of the state legislature, and the majority of state executive offices. Just as our government in Washington is a trifecta for Democrats, Utah or Tennessee, for example, is a trifecta for Republicans. This growing polarization is leading to an increased use of ballot measures. Where am I going with this with regard to voter turnout? Generally, the required number of signatures for an initiative to appear on a ballot the following November is a percentage of the last mayoral election turnout. When do a large portion of mayoral races happen? In off-year elections.
Does this sound familiar? Think back to November 2023 in Tacoma when the Measure 1 rental housing policy initiative was on the ballot. That
was put on the ballot with just about 5,500 signatures. Why? Because of the abysmal voter turnout in the 2021 Tacoma mayoral election. All this to say, these elections have an impact on more than just the candidate that is elected. This can have a domino effect in the future outside the realm of elected officials.
So now I have written my long-winded treatise. Vote Local.
If you would like some assistance and guidance on candidates RHAWA believes will work for the interests of rental housing providers, check out the RHA PAC Voter’s guide at RHAwa. org/PAC. You will also see on the page opposite our list of RHAPAC Endorsed Candidates. You will notice the list is not incredibly long. That is because we take endorsements very seriously and do not give them lightly.
For all election coverage and results, stay with RHAWA on social media, YouTube, and the December issue of CURRENT.
Washington’s 2025
General Election Voter's Guide
Advocacy Team | advocacy@RHAwa.org
Statewide Races
County Races
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 5
Chad Magendanz (R)
State Senate Candidate
Magendanz is a two-term former State Representative for District 5 and is in an extremely tight race with appointed Senator Victoria Hunt. Magendanz will bring some balance back to Olympia if he can flip this seat.
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 26
Michelle Caldier (R)
State Senate Candidate
Current State Representative Michelle Caldier has been representing her district for 11 years and would like to bring that experience to the Senate. Caldier has served multiple sessions as the Ranking Member on the House Housing Committee and intimately understands the issues of our members. The 26th is a purple district, and this would be a huge seat flip for the Republicans to bring some experience to the Senate.
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 33
Kevin Schilling (D)
State Representative Position 1 Candidate Kevin is the current Mayor of Burien, and he has been the lone ship in a hurricane of King County policy. Kevin was the only mayor in King County to push back on many of the homeless encampment policies being implemented across the metro area. He has testified multiple times in Olympia on behalf of RHAWA and our members against rent control and other harmful policies. He has also helped roll back many of the rental restrictions already in place in Burien.
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 48
Amy Walen (D)
State Senate Candidate Representative Walen has been an ever-standing ally for our membership in Olympia, being one of the very few Democrats to consistently vote no on policies like rent control, property tax increases, and many other policies harmful to housing providers.
COUNCIL DISTRICT 1
COUNCIL DISTRICT 3 Sarah Perry
COUNCIL DISTRICT 5 Peter Kwon
COUNCIL DISTRICT 7 Pete von Reichbauer
COUNCIL DISTRICT 9 Reagan Dunn
County Races
PIERCE COUNTY
COUNCIL DISTRICT 5
Terry Wise
If elected, Terry would reflip the party balance of the Pierce County Council back Republican after the council was flipped Democrat in 2024 by the election of new Executive Ryan Melo.
SNOHOMISH COUNTY
COUNCIL DISTRICT 1
Nate Nehring
COUNCIL DISTRICT 5
Sam Low
Councilmember Low is also State Representative Sam Low and has been a steadfast ally and a sponsor on various RHAWA endorsed bills. He will continue to advocate for housing providers in Snohomish County when he retains his seat.
SPOKANE COUNTY
TREASURER
City Races
BELLINGHAM
BELLEVUE
COUNCIL WARD 6
Michael Lilliquist
COUNCIL POSITION 1
Paul Clark
COUNCIL POSITION 2
Conrad Lee
CHENEY
COUNCIL POSITION 4
Jared Nieuwenhuis
COUNCIL POSITION 5
Gabriel Fernandez
Mike Volz
BURIEN
COUNCIL POSITION 1
Jessica Ivey
COUNCIL POSITION 3
Marie Barbon
COUNCIL POSITION 7
Stephanie Mora
MAYOR
Chris Grover
FEDERAL WAY
MAYOR
Jim Ferrell
COUNCIL POSITION 4
Melissa Hamilton
COUNCIL POSITION 6
Jack Dovey
City Races
MAYOR
Mark Mullet
LAKEWOOD
KIRKLAND
COUNCIL POSITION 4
Christina Schiefer
COUNCIL POSITION 1
Ken Oberman
OLYMPIA
COUNCIL POSITION 3
Catie Malik
COUNCIL POSITION 7
Jon Pascal
SPOKANE
MERCER ISLAND
COUNCIL POSITION 7
Adam Ragheb
SPOKANE VALLEY
COUNCIL POSITION 1
COUNCIL POSITION 1
Mark Herr
SEATTLE
COUNCIL POSITION 7
Paul Berendt
COUNCIL POSITION 6
Justin Stang
COUNCIL POSITION 1
Jonathan D Bingle
Mike Kelly
COUNCIL POSITION 7
Laura Padden
MAYOR
Bruce Harrell
CITY ATTORNEY
Ann Davison
COUNCIL POSITION 8
Rachael Savage
COUNCIL POSITION 9
Sara Nelson
COUNCIL POSITION 6
Lisa Anderl
COUNCIL POSITION 3
Christopher Savage
 Continued from page 12
Washington’s 2025 General Election Voter's Guide
 Continued from page 4
City Races
John Hines
COUNCIL DISTRICT 2
Sarah Rumbaugh
COUNCIL DISTRICT 4
Sandesh Sadalge
COUNCIL DISTRICT 5
Joe Bushnell
COUNCIL DISTRICT 6
Jessica Johnston
Interview with Chris Savage: Candidate for Spokane City Council
groups like RHAWA to shape housing policy?
A: Collaboration is essential. I’m not an expert in every field, so I want to work with organizations that are. If councilmembers don’t listen to stakeholders, they’ll make policies that don’t solve the real problems.
Q: Are there areas where you think city spending could be redirected more effectively?
A: Yes. A prime example is the “asphalt art” program, which wasted about a million dollars. That money could have gone toward homeless outreach or affordable housing. When the city is running a deficit, we need to be disciplined about spending on programs that truly work.
COUNCIL POSITION 1
Pooneh Gray
COUNCIL DISTRICT 4
Juliet Potrykus
Q: Council votes often split 5–2. How would you approach working with colleagues who may not share your politics?
A: I’ll work with anyone if it’s a good idea. I may disagree on philosophy, but I won’t quit on the city. Persistence and collaboration are the only way forward.
Q: Spokane also interacts with the federal government on funding. What’s your approach?
A: Right now, the city has taken an adversarial stance with the federal government, and that’s dangerous because so many of our programs rely on federal dollars. I believe we need to align with HUD’s priorities so Spokane doesn’t lose critical funding for affordable housing and homelessness services.
That includes being open to reforms, like requiring accountability and treatment alongside housing, if that’s what it takes to preserve federal support. We can’t afford to risk millions in federal funding by ignoring priorities set at the national level.
Q: What’s your pitch to housing providers and Spokane voters?
A: My promise is simple: I’ll listen. Too often, people testify at City Hall and feel ignored. I won’t be on my phone or laptop—I’ll be making eye contact and paying attention.
I’ll fight for affordability, safety, and accountability. Spokane is a beautiful city with enormous potential, and I want to bring it back to the vibrant, safe, affordable place it once was.
Q: Finally, how can people learn more about your campaign or support you?
A: They can visit SavageForSpokane.com, call me directly at 509-599-1903, or email me at Savage4CityCouncil@gmail.com.
TACOMA
VANCOUVER
YAKIMA
Prep Your Property with this “EASY WINTER CHECKLIST”
Sometimes there are instances when you just can’t avoid issues with your home’s HVAC & Plumbing Systems, but this reminder of proper maintenance and preparation can help keep those surprises to a minimum.
Now that October is with us, I guess there is no way to avoid it; winter is going to happen. I always fight a bit of denial about winter because it’s my least favorite time of the year. Fall is my favorite season, but now I have to admit all hope of any ‘Indian Summer’ is about gone, and the colder, wetter, and darker days are beginning to fully surround us. As many of you may know, I like checklists…and it’s at about this time of year that I polish off my “Early Winter Checklist” because I hate it when some repair takes me by surprise that I could have avoided by a little maintenance and planning, and looking ahead.
INSIDE…
q Inspect the Water Heater for signs of any drips or leaks. Operate/test the Hot Water Tank shut-off.
q Review the Service Record label on the water heater, and schedule Annual Maintenance as needed.
q If an Expansion Tank exists, make sure it’s not ‘water-logged’, and its air pressure is ‘tuned’ to the incoming water pressure (if an Annual Maintenance is due, a good one will include this).
q Actually, measure the hot water temperature with a thermometer at the nearest tap, to ensure the target temperature is correct.
q Run hot and cold water separately at each faucet, make sure of full-flow and no drips after shutting off.
q Watch each drain as you run water, look for any signs of partial-clog-
slow-drain or back-ups. Remember, the holidays are coming, with the potential of heavier than usual use of things…make sure everything flows/drains well!
q Check each toilet; that it flushes fully and shuts off fully afterward, with no signs of clogging.
q Clean and carefully examine all caulking on sinks, counters, tubs, showers, around fixture flanges, and around the base of all toilets (sides and front only, don’t seal at back). Remove and re-caulk anything that won’t clean or seems loose or unsound.
q Inspect the Furnace, Air-handler, or boiler for any signs of problems/ leaks and listen to the operation for strange or unusual sounds.
q Review Service Record Sticker, change filter, and schedule Semi-Annual Maintenance as needed, including cleaning all ductwork… schedule cleaning if due.
q Check that the thermostat programming is current and correct.
q ‘Call for Heat’ on the stat and let the system run for 15 minutes to ensure proper operations (before it gets really cold and is really needed!)
q Check Woodstoves and Fireplaces for proper draft and operation. Check seals and glass on Woodstove doors. Schedule cleaning or repairs if needed/due
q Change direction in ceiling fans, so warm air at the ceiling isn’t wasted.
q Clean/Vacuum under and around refrigerator and freezer, making sure dust, pet hair, etc., is thoroughly cleaned from exterior refrigeration coils. Clean any drip pans that exist.
q Change all batteries in Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Test each unit to sound with
the ‘test-button’ after installing new batteries.
q Check all weather-stripping on all windows and doors. Repair or replace as needed…heating and cooling expenses represent up to 49% of home energy use, so good maintenance can result in big savings.
OUTSIDE…
Walk around next to the structure slowly checking for any obvious items that need attention, including…
q Remove all garden hoses and store appropriately. If the hose faucets (hose-bibs) are not ‘freeze-proof’, then cover with a domed Styrofoam hose bib cover.
q Check for water pipes in any ‘freeze-zone’, like an unheated garage or outside wall. Heat-tape and insulate if needed. If you can see a water-pipe through a foundation vent-screen, the cold winter winds can freeze it for sure. Have the pipe moved, or heat-tape and insulate.
q Check foundation for cracks, and check caulking anywhere it meets masonry. Repair if needed.
q Check caulking on edges of doors and windows and vents, make sure it’s sound. Repair if needed.
q Watch for peeling paint, and repair/ touch-up as needed
q Check weather-strip on garage doors; repair as needed.
q Check gutters to see that they are clean, and that they are still connected tightly and not leaking.
Step back from the structure 10ft to 20ft, and circle the structure again…
q Turn on all outside lights and watch for burned-out bulbs as you do your walk-around.
q Check for any debris on the roof, for loose shingles, or any signs of dam-
age around any chimney flashings. A good pair of binoculars helps a lot and potentially helps spot small problems without going up on the roof. Make repairs if/as needed.
q Check all sidewalks, patios, outside steps, and driveways for cracks. Fill and repair as needed to keep water out and prevent resulting freeze/ thaw/settling damage. Take a close look at any asphalt driveway surfaces to evaluate the condition of the sealer; schedule re-sealing as soon as practical if needed.
q Winterize sprinkler system.
q Winterize pool equipment and install and check the pool cover.
q Check porch railings for soundness. Cover or store porch/patio furniture and barbecue.
q Check all outside potted flowers and shrubs. Winterize as/if needed.
I have found that going through the above checklist takes only a couple of hours, and it is well worth it.
Enjoy the remainder of this fall and have a Great Winter!
Bruce Davis, Sr. is a Licensed Journeyman Plumber, Licensed Electrician, HVAC/R Electrical Administrator, HVAC/R ,and Certified WA State C.E.U. Instructor. Day and Nite Plumbing and Heating, Inc has been in Lynnwood serving Snohomish and N. King County for over 68-years, and Bruce Sr. has been President and working at this family-owned business for 36-years. Bruce can be contacted at: Email: Bruce@dayandnite.net. Day and Nite Plumbing and Heating Inc. 16614 13 Ave. W., Lynnwood, WA 98037, (800) 972-7000.
Bruce Davis, Sr. | Day & Nite Plumbing & Heating, Inc. | 2020 RHAWA Vendor Member of the Year
When painting in the fall, check forecasts for mild weather and avoid painting on humid or extremely windy days. Ensure surfaces are completely dry and clean, as moisture can cause adhesion issues. Use paints formulated for cooler temperatures and allow extra dry time (at least 24 hours) between coats. Plan to paint during the warmest part of the day, typically 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and work on the sunny side of the house to take advantage of the warmth.
WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS
• Check the forecast: Choose a week with mild temperatures and no rain to ensure proper paint adhesion and drying.
• Monitor dew point: Only paint when the surface temperature is at least five degrees higher than the
Hello members of RHAWA;
Painting in the Fall
dew point to prevent moisture from causing problems.
• Avoid high winds: High wind speeds can make painting more challenging, so avoid painting on extremely windy days.
• Work in the sun: Start on the sunny side of the house and work with the sun to take advantage of its warmth and shorten drying time.
SURFACE PREPARATION
• Clean and dry surfaces: Thoroughly clean surfaces to remove dust, grease, or mildew. Surfaces must be completely dry before applying paint.
• Repair damage: Scrape away old, loose paint and repair any damaged areas on wood or siding before you begin.
PAINT AND CURING
• Choose the right paint: Select high-quality exterior paint, and consider formulas designed for cooler temperatures, which are more stable and contain special resins for curing in cooler air.
• Allow extra dry time: Cooler temperatures mean slower drying times, so allow ample time between coats, maybe up to 24 hours.
• Avoid thinning paint: Do not mix antifreeze, thinners, or other chemicals into cool-weather paint formulas, as this can lead to complete failure of the paint job.
SAFETY AND TIMING
• Use personal protective equipment: Wear goggles and masks if you are sanding surfaces or working with chemical cleaners.
• Store paint properly: Cool fall nights can thicken or freeze paint left outside, so store it properly indoors.
Sales Representative Tim Puckett, can be contacted at: Email: tpuckett@roddapaint.com. Rodda Paint 409 M. Thierman Rd. Suite B, Spokane Valley, WA 99212, Phone: (509) 868-3552, Mobile: (509) 868-3552.
• Work during daylight hours: Use the shorter daylight hours in the fall to your advantage.
RHAWA Member Discount available at any Rodda Paint store in the Pacific Northwest.
I would like to remind everyone that your discount is available at any Rodda-Miller Paint store using Account # 536894. A card is not needed to get your discount, but if you would like one, it is available; just contact me. I would also like to extend my services to anyone, as I am available by phone or in person at your job site to answer any project-related questions about products, techniques, quantities, and color.
Whether you are painting a deck, the interior, or the exterior of a house or a commercial building, I am here to provide you with excellent service and the right prod-ucts, all at a great price. Here at Rodda-Miller Paint, we are offering all members of the RHAWA up to a 35% discount on all Rodda-Miller Paint-manufactured paints. Additionally, added dis-counts will be offered on supplies, such as caulking, plastic, rollers, brushes, and more. The price bracket alone will beat our competitor’s price on all comparable products, GUARANTEED!
Don’t hesitate to reach out, and be sure to mention the account name or number to get the discount.
Tim Puckett | Rodda Paint | RHAWA Vendor Member
 Continued from page 3
Spokane Welcomes RHAWA’s New Office with a Packed Open House
more collaborative environment. For those who haven’t attended a LINK meeting yet, make it a priority to do so before next year's Legislative Session. These meetings are a great way to stay informed and involved in maintaining sound housing practices.
The Spokane office will also support regional communication and outreach, ensuring that RHAWA’s initiatives reflect the realities of both sides of the state. This balanced perspective helps inform RHAWA’s legislative priorities and enhances the association’s ability to advocate effectively for housing providers of all sizes.
The Spokane open house was not just about opening a new office; it was about strengthening community ties and celebrating the role housing providers play in maintaining stable, quality homes for
Washington residents. The event highlighted RHAWA’s dedication to supporting its members and ensuring that multiple regions have access to the same level of professional resources and advocacy.
As guests mingled and shared experiences, it was clear that the Spokane community is ready to embrace RHAWA’s expanded role. The conversations and connections made during the event laid the groundwork for future collaboration and engagement.
A big thank you to all those who took time out of their busy schedules to join us! For members who were unable to attend, RHAWA invites you to visit the new office, meet the team, and explore upcoming classes and events. Whether you own a single rental or manage a large portfolio, the Spokane office is your new resource for information, support, and connection.
 Continued from page 12
Local Rental Housing Regulation Watch
• Nevada: Must be 3 days late, capped at 5% of one month's rent.
• New York: Must be 5 days late, capped at $50 or 5% of past due rent.
• Utah: Capped at 10% or one month's rent or $25.
• Virginia: Capped at 10% or one month's rent or past due rent.
Those who operate rental housing in Seattle will know that the cap on late fees in their city is already far lower than the above regulations, and a policy that imposes various bans on an extensive list of other fees can cause additional administrative and financial burden on all housing providers in the city.
The previously shared list of potential fee bans has not (at the time of writing this article) been proposed at the Seattle City Council. However, we must remain vigilant to ensure that our
members have an early idea of what kinds of policy proposals tenant advocacy groups are fighting for and how these policies would impact our businesses if they develop into a proposed ordinance in the city.
As always, make sure you are actively involved in any opportunities RHAWA will provide you to share your thoughts and experiences with your local lawmakers. It is up to us to advocate for the needs of small housing providers across our state.
The Local Housing Regulation Watch is your best resource to get an inside look at the work our RHAWA Government Affairs team is doing to keep our members up to date on the latest developments in rental housing policies across the state. Feel free to reach out to our team if you have any questions about how to get involved.
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About Us
We are very proud to be a family owned and operated company. John, Barry and Jill have been serving RHA Members for over 22 years. Our focus is to solve customers’ roof problems and concerns with a reliable, high-quality roof system. Our dedicated crews take pride in their craftsmanship and treat our customers roofs as if it were our own.
We Stand by Stability
Polyflex G (torch down) provides an exceptionally durable roofing product and provides long-term weathering performance. With a granulated surface, Polyflex G exceeds all minimum ASTM standards for tensile strength, puncture resistance and flexibility. This torch down roof membrane is ideal for Northwest roofs; where common branches sometimes fall or residents want a roof-top patio. We stand behind Ployglass APP Membranes with the most reliable warranties in the industry. Their warranty provides extended protection, assuring the optimum system performance is guaranteed.
About Elizabeth Gregory Home (EGH)
EGH inspires homeless women to transform their lives. Through services offered, women can meet immediate needs, as well as long-range goals to break the cycle of homelessness.
Learn more about EGH and how you can help at eghseattle.org. Thank you.
Contact John Paust for more information:
pricing for RHAWA members AND $100 donation toward EGH with paid re-roof contract!
Sponsor of
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Smart Housing Providers Don’t Guess. They Train
ONLY AT RHAWA ACADEMY
RHAWA Academy offers the only housing education in Washington that’s built by experts, for housing providers—lighting the path to compliance. Your membership unlocks FREE courses on local laws, tenant screening, leasing tools, and more. And when you’re ready to go deeper, we’ve got live sessions, certificates, and a full ONDEMAND course library to back you up.
Because knowing the rules isn’t a luxury — it’s how smart housing providers stay in business.
Operating rental housing in Washington without the right knowledge is risky, costly, and potentially devastating. One missed law. One wrong form. That’s all it takes. GET TRAINED. STAY COMPLIANT. OPERATE WITH CONFIDENCE. Only at RHAWA Academy.
For questions about the Academy, please contact Denise Myers at dmyers@RHAwa.org Formal