Title
Public Hearing on Relocation Assistance and Additional Renter Protections
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use and Environment Committee recommends holding a public hearing on the proposed relocation assistance requirements and additional renter protections.
City Manager Recommendation:
Hold a public hearing on the proposed relocation assistance requirements and additional renter protections.
Report
Issue:
Whether to a hold a public hearing on proposed relocation assistance requirements and additional renter protections.
Staff Contact:
Christa Lenssen, Senior Housing Program Specialist, Office of Community Vitality, 360.570.3762
Presenter(s):
Christa Lenssen, Senior Housing Program Specialist, Office of Community Vitality, 360.570.3762
Background and Analysis:
At an August 2023, City Council Study Session staff presented a proposal for a rental housing registry and inspection program, as well as information regarding tenant relocation assistance, late fees and other types of fees. At the Land Use & Environment Committee meeting in January 2024, staff were directed to forward proposed code amendments to Council regarding relocation assistance, junk fees, tenant right to install cooling devices in their units, and providing tenants the option to break lease after receiving notice of a rent increase over 5%. The Committee also reviewed recent tenant protections passed by citizen initiatives in Bellingham and Tacoma. Staff was also directed to draft Economic Displacement Relocation Assistance provisions which would require landlords to pay relocation assistance to tenants who are forced to move because their rent increased by more than 5%.
Relocation Assistance
At its August 2023 study session, Council directed staff to draft code language to establish relocation assistance measures for tenants who are displaced when their housing unit is condemned, demolished or requires substantial repairs. At the January 2024 Land Use and ...
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