The City of Seattle has declared war on landlords in a misguided effort to address the affordable housing issue. The City of Seattle has banned landlords from considering criminal history, required landlords to accept the first financially qualified applicant with no discretion, capped security deposits and other legitimate move-in charges, and forced landlords to accept security deposits and other legitimate move-in charges in installments.
Seattle passed laws requiring landlords to accept essentially all applicants regardless of criminal history (the “Fair Housing Ordinance”). A rental industry association filed a lawsuit in King County Superior Court challenging the Fair Housing Ordinance. The City petitioned to remove the case to US District Court, where it is being heard.
Seattle passed a law requiring landlords to take the first financially qualified rental applicant that applies (the “First in Time Ordinance”). A King County Superior Court judge struck down the First in Time Ordinance, declaring that the law violates the state constitution. The City of Seattle has appealed.
Seattle passed a law that caps move-in charges including security deposits, and forces landlords to accept deposits and other move-in costs in a long string of installments (the “Move-in Fees and Payment Plans” ordinance). The court has heard oral argument on a summary judgment motion. A decision on the motion is expected soon.
