Wash. Rev. Code § 43.185A § 43.185A.005
Findings.
Operative Text
The legislature finds that current economic conditions, federal housing policies and declining resources at the federal, state, and local level adversely affect the ability of low and very low-income persons to obtain safe, decent, and affordable housing. The legislature further finds that members of over 150,000 households pay more than 50 percent of their income for rent and housing costs. The legislature further finds that minorities, rural households, and migrant farmworkers require housing assistance at a rate which significantly exceeds their proportion of the general population. The legislature further finds that one of the most dramatic housing needs is that of persons needing special housing-related services, such as individuals with mental illness, recovering alcoholics, frail elderly persons, families with members who have disabilities, and single parents. These services include medical assistance, counseling, chore services, and child care. The legislature further finds that state investments in affordable housing, as enabled by the legislature in 1986, have exceeded $1,800,000,000 to provide over 55,000 units of safe and affordable housing to low-income individuals.
Wash. Rev. Code § 43.185A.005 et seq. sets out the Washington State Legislature's formal findings that underpin the state's affordable housing policy. The legislature documented that economic pressures, shifting federal policies, and shrinking resources at multiple levels of government make it harder for low- and very low-income households to access safe and affordable housing. The findings also acknowledge that certain groups—including minorities, rural residents, migrant farmworkers, people with disabilities, individuals with mental illness, frail elderly persons, and single parents—face disproportionately acute housing needs, and that state investments since 1986 have produced more than 55,000 units of affordable housing.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Wash. Rev. Code § 43.185A.005 et seq. reflects the legislative intent behind Washington's affordable housing programs, which shape the regulatory and funding environment in which rental property owners operate. Operators who participate in state-funded affordable housing programs generally do so within a framework designed to serve low- and very low-income households, including populations identified in these findings such as persons with disabilities and elderly residents. Understanding the policy goals articulated in these findings can help property managers anticipate the priorities that guide state housing agencies and funding decisions.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Rev. Code § 43.185A.005 et seq. represents Washington State's formal recognition that low-income renters, as well as specific groups such as minorities, rural households, migrant farmworkers, and people with disabilities, face housing challenges that exceed those of the general population. These legislative findings form the foundation for state affordable housing programs and funding streams that may be available to eligible renters. Tenants who believe they qualify for housing assistance can explore resources through local housing authorities, tenant-rights organizations, or Washington's state housing programs that were established in response to the needs documented in this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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