Committee reviews bill to require landlords to disclose flood history and risk to tenants

Summary

ESSB 6237 would require landlords under the Residential Landlord Tenant Act to disclose if a property lies in a special flood hazard area or potential flood area, state county flood information availability, and that landlord insurance does not cover tenant belongings; disclosure would apply to leases entered after Dec. 31, 2026.

The committee heard staff description and stakeholder comment on Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 62 37, which would require landlords to disclose rental property flood history and flood risk for tenancies covered by the Residential Landlord Tenant Act.

Staff summarized the disclosure requirements: notice that the property "may be located in a special flood hazard area or an area of potential flooding," that county sources provide information about hazards and risk, and that a landlord's insurance does not cover tenant belongings so tenants should consider renter's or flood insurance. The disclosure requirement applies to leases entered after Dec. 31, 2026.

Crystal Perkey of the Washington Multifamily Housing Association said the association is neutral on the substitute as drafted, thanked the sponsor for narrowing requirements to a manageable operational process, and said removing an original requirement that providers recommend insurance avoided casting housing providers as unlicensed insurance brokers.

The committee concluded the hearing on SB 62 37 and adjourned for the day; no vote was taken on the measure during the Feb. 18 session.