Shoreline Tenant Protections
The City of Shoreline passed a new law this week creating new local tenant protections, including an increased notice of rent increase timeframe; limits on move-in fees, late fees, and security deposit amounts; a requirement to allow payment plans for move-in costs; and a prohibition on the requirement of providing a social security number.
For rent increases of three percent but less than ten percent the landlord must give 120 days’ notice. For rent increases of ten percent or more, the landlord must give 180 days’ notice.
All move-in fees and security deposit may not exceed one month’s rent. The tenant may choose to pay move-in costs in installments of six installments if the lease is for six or more months, or two monthly installments if the lease term is less than six months.
Late fees in Shoreline may not exceed 1.5% of the monthly rent.
The landlord may not require a social security number when screening a new tenant.
A landlord in violation of the new law is liable for double actual damages, or three times the monthly rent, plus litigation costs and attorney fees.
