Title
Briefing on Renter Protection Measures
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use & Environment Committee recommends receiving a briefing on the City's renter protection measures and discuss next steps.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on the City's renter protection measures and discuss next steps.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the City's renter protection measures and discuss next steps.
Staff Contact:
Christa Lenssen, Senior Housing Program Specialist, Community Planning and Economic Development, 360.570.3762
Presenter(s):
Christa Lenssen, Senior Housing Program Specialist, Community Planning and Economic Development
Background and Analysis:
Path that led the City to explore tenant protections
In 2018, the Olympia City Council began exploring tenant protection policies implemented in other cities, such as relocation assistance; increased notice for rent increases; rental licensing and inspection; and other proposals in response to the 2017 Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH). The 2017 AFH raised concerns regarding the number of cost-burdened renting households and drew attention to the fact that people who rent are often the most vulnerable community members. One of the 2017 AFH recommendations was to consider existing Washington State landlord licensure program models to monitor and regulate safe, decent and sanitary housing.
In late 2019, tenants and tenant advocates held a rally at City Council and presented a proposed ordinance to cap deposits, move-in costs, and pet deposits, as well as allow tenants to pay these fees and last month's rent in installments. In March 2020, the Land Use & Environment Committee held a community meeting to learn more about challenges and potential solutions with renters and landlords. Tenant protections are of significant interest to the community and many community members participated in providing feedback to the City Council.
Around this same time, several wo...
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