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 requir...
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