'Co-living' bill would revive a nearly extinct affordable housing type in Washington cities

Should cities in Washington state allow people to live in small rooms with shared kitchens and sometimes shared bathrooms? That’s a question state lawmakers will consider in a hearing on Monday, Jan. 8.

Sixty years ago, people in Seattle could rent tiny apartments, just big enough for a bed and a little sitting area. They were cheap, even though they were right in the heart of downtown.

A few older buildings like that burned down, and in the 1970s and 80s, many cities made them illegal.

State Rep. Mia Gregerson, a SeaTac Democrat, wants to bring them back, so that people on limited incomes can live near their jobs again.

"And then it’s so cool because you’re able to live in the same communities as others, and then it’s between like $300 to $500 less than that same maybe studio down the street," she said.

Gregerson said the modern version of these buildings are much more fire resistant, and they tend to include large common areas, where residents can relax together, like a dorm. Many have their own bathrooms.

Learn more about these "dorms for adults" in the first episode of KUOW's new economics podcast, Booming.

Listen with the player below, or wherever you get your podcasts.