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• Introduced by Sen. Debbie Regala (D) on February 4, 2009, gives latitude for tenants to cancel their contracts with no further obligation in the event they are being sexually harassed, stalked or victimized by their landlord. Other measures allowed are changing locks or adding locks without the landlord’s permission and at the landlord’s expense, among others. Allows the tenant to sue the landlord for relocation expenses. (See also Companion HB 1856).
  • Referred to the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee on February 4, 2009.
    • Substitute offered in the Senate on February 25, 2009, replaces the term "sexual harassment" with "unlawful harassment." Adopts the definition of unlawful harassment in chapter 10.14 RCW and further defines it as any request for sexual favors to a tenant in return for a change in or performance of any terms of a lease or rental agreement. Notice to a landlord of a tenant's termination of a tenancy and the date of termination is further specified . The substitute passed in the Senate by voice vote on February 25, 2009.
  • Referred to the Senate Rules Committee on February 25, 2009.
• Passed in the Senate (47 to 1) on March 12, 2009. [Vote Details and Comments]
• Received in the House on March 13, 2009.
  • Referred to the House Judiciary Committee on March 13, 2009.