Title
Rental Housing Code Options
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
In April 2022, the Land Use & Environment Committed Committee members directed staff to pursue a rental housing registry program and provide options for consideration.
City Manager Recommendation:
Hold a discussion on peer city rental housing policies and direct staff to draft updated code language.
Report
Issue:
Whether to discussion on peer city rental housing policies and direct staff to draft updated code language.
Staff Contact:
Christa Lenssen, Housing Program Specialist, City Manager’s Office, 360.570.3762
Presenter(s):
Christa Lenssen, Housing Program Specialist, City Manager’s Office
Background and Analysis:
In April 2022, staff presented to the Land Use & Environment Committee options and input regarding rental housing gathered from community engagement. Committee members identified several policy options to prioritize and directed staff to bring back peer city policy comparisons on the following topics:
• Limits to security deposits and move-in fees
• Longer notice period for rent increases
Committee members also directed staff to pursue a rental housing registry program and provide options for consideration. Additional work will need to be conducted to scope program options, costs, and potentially outline a phased approach. Internal stakeholders (including City staff who work on code enforcement, building inspections, and business licenses) will need to be engaged to provide input on program options.
Committee members directed staff to monitor litigation, track other cities’ responses and/or explore the following program or policy options:
• Screening policies (criminal history or other considerations)
• Loopholes or unintended consequences in newly adopted statewide Just Cause eviction law
• Tenant Relocation Assistance
At the meeting, staff will present an updated table of policy options from peer cities on limits to deposits/move-in fees and notice requirements for rent increases. Staff will also outline resources provided on current tenant protections webpage and invite discussion on other resources to be included.
Attached to the staff report are examples of code from other Cities:
• City of Kenmore - Ordinance No. 22-0545 - section 8.55.030 outlines rent increase notification requirements and 8.55.040 outlines security deposit limits; section 8.55.100 outlines enforcement
• King County - Code Chapter 12 - section 12.25.050 outlines security deposit limits and 12.25.070 outlines rent increase notification requirements; section 12.25.120 outlines enforcement
• City of Auburn - Code Chapter 5.23 - section 5.23.040(A) outlines rent increase notification requirements and security deposit limits; section 5.23.080 outlines enforcement
• City of Seattle - Code Chapter 7.24 - section 7.24.030(A) outline rent increase notification requirements; sections 7.24.035-7.24.038 discuss security and pet deposits; section 7.24.060 and 7.24.120 outlines enforcement
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Potential changes to Olympia Municipal Code’s Rental Housing Code (OMC 5.82) are a topic of significant interest to renters and rental housing owners/operators within the City and around Thurston County. Any work on this topic will draw a great deal of local and regional attention and public engagement.
City of Tumwater staff have recommended rental housing codes to Tumwater City Council. Many rental housing owners operate in both Olympia and Tumwater, so there will be significant community interest in changes adopted by both Olympia and Tumwater’s Councils.
Options:
1. Hold a discussion on peer city rental housing policies and direct staff to draft updated code language for consideration at a future Land Use & Environment Committee meeting or City Council meeting.
2. Direct staff to do additional research on policy or program options.
3. Take other action.
Financial Impact:
There are no financial impacts to report at this time.
Attachments:
Policy Summary Table
City of Kenmore - Ordinance No. 22-0545
King County - Code Chapter 12
City of Auburn - Code Chapter 5.23
City of Seattle - Code Chapter 7.24