Reporting by The Columbian exposed the hardball tactics some landlords will use to silence renters and shore up their unchecked power to levy excessive rent hikes and fees on tenants (“‘It’s meant to have a chilling effect,’” The Columbian, Nov. 9). These practices should set off alarm bells for Washington policymakers.
The lack of affordable housing has put our communities at a breaking point. As rents skyrocket, Black, Indigenous and people of color — already facing historical and systemic barriers —are being pushed out of their homes at alarming rates. Their communities are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity, with rising rents, forcing families to choose between essentials like housing, food and medicine. This isn’t just unfair — it’s devastating.
We cannot continue to allow landlords to put profits over people. The Legislature must act to restrict excessive rent increases. When rents are stable and predictable, tenants and landlords can build more trust. Rent stabilization, alongside investments in new affordable housing, is essential to keeping families housed and preventing homelessness.
Continuing to let private property investors, developers and landlords take away basic rights like being able to talk about unfair and discriminatory practices will displace more Washington families and individuals from their homes.
