The Washington Legislature passed a bill this week to cap most annual rent increases at 7% plus inflation, or 10%, whichever is lower. The measure cleared both chambers over the weekend and now awaits the governor’s signature.

If enacted, the new caps would take effect in 2026 and apply to both month-to-month and fixed-term leases. Subsidized housing, new buildings less than 12 years old, and small owner-occupied properties would be exempt.

Landlords would also be required to give tenants notice when raising rent.

Tenant advocates praised the bill as a way to prevent sudden steep rent hikes, while real estate groups warned it could discourage housing development.

Several states and cities, including California, Oregon, and New York City, have enacted their own versions of rent control or rent caps in recent years, typically setting limits between 3% and 10% annually depending on inflation and other factors.

Washington state health officials confirmed a fifth case of measles this week, as infections climb both locally and nationally. The latest case involves an infant in King County who contracted the virus after exposure to a contagious traveler. Officials said the child was too young to be vaccinated.

The state’s earlier cases, identified since February, also involved unvaccinated or undervaccinated children, often after international travel. All five confirmed cases this year have been linked to King County.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through coughing, sneezing, and airborne particles. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that spreads from the face downward. About one in five cases requires hospitalization, according to the CDC.

Washington’s MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination rate for kindergartners stands at 89%, below the 95% needed for herd immunity. Nationwide, the rate has dropped to 93%, the lowest in a decade.

More than 100 measles cases have been confirmed across at least 18 states this year, with significant clusters in Texas, Florida, and California. Public health officials warn that low vaccination rates are fueling outbreaks and raising concerns about the United States potentially losing its measles elimination status, first achieved in 2000.

The MMR vaccine is recommended at 12–15 months of age, with a second dose at 4–6 years.