Strong Support for Reducing Rent and Creating Good Cause Eviction Protections in Washington by WCAN

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April 16, 2020

Strong Support for Reducing Rent and Creating Good Cause Eviction Protections in Washington Survey Findings Interested parties To: From: Washington Community Action Network and Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Washington voters overwhelmingly support a measure limiting rent increases and protecting tenants with good-cause eviction protections: 71 percent approve. This consensus extends throughout the state, from progressive Seattle to the more conservative areas in the Northeast, involves both renters and homeowners and even captures a majority of self-ascribed Republicans. The reason why this measure draws such a response is that the cost of housing is just too high. A 78 percent majority describe housing costs as a crisis or major problem. This survey took place in March of this year, when the state of Washington represented the hottest of hot spots in the country for the coronavirus outbreak. At that time, 86 percent of voters described the virus as a major problem or crisis and 57 percent described it as a crisis. One day, this pandemic will be over. At that time, all the other problems we have pushed aside will reassert themselves. One of those problems in Washington state is the cost of housing and rent. One solution voters convincingly support is a measure to reduce rent and protect renters with good-cause eviction protections. This memorandum reflects the results of an online survey of 800 likely voters in the state of Washington, taken March 15-22. Online surveys are drawn from an opt-in, non-probability sample and are not representative. Therefore, no margin of error can be calculated. This survey was commissioned by the Washington Community Action Network.

Key Findings âŽ&#x161; A 71 percent majority of Washington voters support an initiative limiting rent increases and protecting renters with good-cause eviction protections. At this level of support, this majority captures most major subgroups in the state including both Democrats (88 percent) and Republicans (58 percent), younger voters (78 percent) and seniors (63 percent), white voters (69 percent) and people of color (82 percent), renters (92 percent), as well as homeowners (61 percent).1 1

See Appendix for language used to test this initiative. www.GQRR.com

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Regionally, support peaks in Seattle, but holds at least 66 percent of the electorate throughout the state.

Figure 1: Support for Initiative across regions

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Voters recognize Washington faces a huge problem with rents and the cost of housing. Obviously, the pandemic looms larger than any other issues right now and the homeless issue— clearly related to housing costs—also emerges as a big problem. But voters’ support for the measure begins with an understanding of the affordable housing problem born of lived experience, as 78 percent describe affordable housing as a major problem or crisis. Regionally, concern runs highest not in Seattle (78 percent), but in the west (83 percent in the Northwest and Southwest).2

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Figure 2: Views on issues affecting Washington

Conclusion Voters’ support for this initiative is broad and convincing. No one can predict how the current crisis and economic aftermath will impact voters’ thinking, but most likely the recession will create even more economic stress on renters’ ability to pay for their housing and generate even higher public support for this initiative. New York City and other localities have already taken steps to lower or even suspend rents during this crisis. Regardless, Washington will still face a huge problem with affordable housing and voters in this state are actively looking for a remedy.

Appendix In testing support for this initiative, this measure, half the sample read language referencing a “limit on rent increases” and half the sample heard language referencing “limit rent increases to inflation plus 5 percent.” This difference did not produce a significant difference in outcome and combined data are represented in this memorandum.

Language used in survey: (Split) This initiative involves residential landlord and tenant laws. This measure would require residential landlords to comply with tenant-protection laws and housing safety laws; and show good cause before eviction; limit rent increases and permit local rent regulation; providing exceptions, procedures, and enforcement mechanisms. (Split B) This initiative involves residential landlord and tenant laws. This measure would require residential landlords to comply with tenant-protection and housing2020 All Rights Reserved

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safety laws and show good cause before evicting tenants; limits rent increases to inflation plus 5 percent; providing exceptions, procedures, and enforcement mechanisms.

Regions

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