It’s finally here! The 2nd edition of the Renter’s Handbook is now available for digital download. Notable changes to the handbook include the addition of the Economic Displacement Relocation Assistance ordinance (EDRA) that went into effect on July 1 as well as information on Notice of Intent to Sell and updates to the expanded Just Cause Eviction provisions.
Over the past two years, SDCI released several convenient permit research tools in the form of new and improved map layers in our Shaping Seattle map application. We wanted to remind you about all the features and information that you can now easily find as you are searching for complete information related to land use & construction permits, rental housing registrations, and complaints and violations.
As directed by Mayor Harrell in Executive Order 2022-02 on the City’s eviction moratoria, the City has set up an Eviction Assistance web page as part of the broader Renting in Seattle online resource. The Eviction Assistance page offers renters and small landlords key information they should know about the expiration of the moratoria, set to end on February 28, 2022 and post-moratoria tenant protections. It also provides links to resources and more detailed information.
Thank you to everybody that attended the Seattle Home Fairs on January 29 and January 30. We had about 400 attendees join us over the two days! We were happy that so many of you were able to join us. If you missed the Home Fairs, or want to watch a different session, the recordings, presentations, and resources are now available on our Seattle Home Fairs webpage.
SDCI is enthused to announce the release of its new Shaping Seattle: Rental Housing Registrations map. This new map displays current Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) information for rental property in Seattle, including registration and inspection status and violation information. This map will make it easier for the public to find and track information for rental properties in their community. SDCI optimized the map to work best on mobile devices so you can quickly find rental housing registration information about properties in your neighborhood.
Several recent changes to Seattle laws impact residential properties that require a Tenant Relocation License. The Right of First Refusal, SMC 7.24.030.J, requires owners to offer a lease renewal to existing tenants when their term lease is expiring unless there is just cause. To obtain just cause for development activity, you must obtain a Tenant Relocation License. Therefore, all properties that are tenant-occupied at the time of the permit application need to go through the Tenant Relocation Assistance Ordinance (TRAO) process regardless of whether the tenants have a term lease or are month-to-month. We highly recommend that you submit a service request for TRAO when you receive the notification that your project may require a license. If you wait until the end of the permitting process, your permits may be significantly delayed. You can submit a service request by calling (206) 615-0808.
The City of Seattle has several COVID-19 recovery tenant protection bills that cover non-payment of rent, mandatory payment plans, and fair chance housing.
The governor announced by proclamation on June 2, he was extending the eviction moratorium until August 1. Rent increases and late fees remain prohibited under the moratorium.
