Landlords push back against rent restrictions

Plus takeaways from the Supremes, an imperiled tax break for banks, and an update on universal basic income

Few bills face as much opposition from more lobbies this session as House Bill 1389 from Rep. Alex Ramel, D-Bellingham, and House Bill 1388 from Rep. Nicole Macri, D-Seattle. The first caps rent between 3 percent and 7 percent for buildings 10 years and older depending on inflation. The second bill would create a variety of tenant protections, including banning landlords from charging tenants steep move-in fees and other costs. 

Here’s why you should care about this: The leftward shift of the Legislature and the worsening housing crisis have given currency to proposals to rein in housing costs that have repeatedly died in recent years.