US: Washington’s State’s legislature has cleared the way for coliving development by passing a law that will come into effect in June.
Residential units with shared common spaces and individual rooms for rent can now be built in the state.
Coliving residents would share a kitchen and common area, while still enjoying the privacy of their own rooms, under the new law.
Governor Jay Inslee signed the legislation after it unanimously passed the House and advanced through the Senate in a 44-4 vote during this year’s legislative session.
“There’s no difference between, say, three people sharing one standard apartment unit and three people residing in separate coliving sleeping units,” said bill sponsor Rep. Andrew Barkis, R-Olympia.
He worked together with Representative Mia Gregerson, D-Sea-Tac, to propose and pass the bill through the Legislature. Gregerson said coliving is a good way for students, single adults and seniors to stay close to their communities, adding that residents would most likely have their own bathroom, but it’s not directly specified in the bill.
Under the law, cities and counties must allow coliving housing on residential lots where at least six multifamily housing units are permitted by January 2026.
