Title
Rental Housing Registration Program Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Discuss rental housing registration program options.
City Manager Recommendation:
Hold a discussion on rental housing registration program options.
Report
Issue:
Whether to hold a discussion on rental housing registration program.
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 May 2022, Land Use & Environment Committee directed staff to explore options for implementing a rental housing registration program, as part of Council's update to the City's rental housing code (OMC 5.82). Council adopted an ordinance amending OMC 5.82 in August 2022 to limit move-in fees and security deposits, as well as notice periods required for rent increases.
The Committee identified the following goals for a registration program:
* Gather data about rental housing in Olympia
* Share information and resources with landlords
* Ensure basic life, health and safety in rental housing
Staff from Housing, Code Enforcement, Building Inspections, and Community Planning & Development met three times between June and September of 2022 to review peer city programs and options.
Staff will present information from peer cities, workgroup discussions and considerations for developing a rental housing registration program. Staff will hold a discussion about program options, any additional information needed, and next steps.
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.
Options:
1. Direct staff to scope program details for a future Lan...
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