In a significant move, Washington state lawmakers have passed a bill that limits annual rent increases, marking a change after a four-decade ban on rent control. The proposal sets a cap on rent hikes, which has been a subject of heated debate among lawmakers and housing advocates. Despite some criticism that the Senate version of the bill weakens tenant protections, a compromise was reached in Olympia. With calls from renters for affordability relief and organized rallies advocating for a lower cap, the lawmakers are now awaiting the governor’s approval after successfully navigating procedural hurdles and reaching a consensus.