Gordon Haggerty testifies against Seattle's HB 1915 rental housing bill

During a recent House Housing meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding House Bill 1915, which aims to modify landlord-tenant relationships in Washington. Gordon Haggerty, a small rental housing provider from Seattle, testified against the bill, emphasizing its potential negative impact on small landlords and the rental market.

Haggerty, who has been in the rental business for nearly 60 years, expressed his commitment to maintaining long-term relationships with tenants. He argued that the bill would hinder landlords' ability to remove problematic tenants, ultimately leading to increased costs that would be passed on to responsible renters. He warned that the bill could force landlords to tighten rental criteria, potentially denying housing opportunities to good tenants who may initially appear risky.

Tad Somerville, another Seattle resident, echoed Haggerty's sentiments, criticizing the bill for its perceived bias against landlords. He highlighted that private rental providers are often the most effective at delivering desirable housing options. Somerville argued that the bill would further complicate the already challenging dynamics between landlords and tenants, making it harder for landlords to manage their properties and collect owed rent.

Both testimonies reflect a growing concern among small housing providers about the implications of HB 1915. As discussions continue, the future of this legislation remains uncertain, with potential consequences for both landlords and tenants in Washington's housing market. The House Housing committee is urged to consider these perspectives as they deliberate on the bill's fate.