GOP says bill would rip off landlords
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
OLYMPIA – Lawmakers spent hours over the weekend debating House Bill 1236. In the end, the Democrat majority passed it. Republican leaders said if the measure becomes law it will force property owners to renew expiring leases.
During a seven-hour debate, Republicans offered 25 amendments but most of those were rejected. The measure passed 54 to 44. It is now before the Senate for consideration.
The bill forces property owners to renew a tenant’s expiring lease, rent month-to-month unless the tenant agrees to a longer term, and allows occupants to stay on the property even if they have damaged the property beyond the security department amount. GOP lawmakers say it also allows people to move onto the property without the permission of the owner.
“Allowing trespassers, gang members, folks who are engaging in illegal businesses, people who are engaging in racial harassment, and people who are doing damage to properties in excess of the amount of their security deposits don’t deserve super protections that we’re giving,” Rep. Jeremie Dufault (R-Selah) said during testimony.
