Tukwila Considers New Tenant Protections

Tukwila's City Council filed a synopsis of their meeting on September 9th, 2024 in which they discussed proposals for a new city ordinance outlining new renter protections.

As a result of recent legal decisions that resulted in the repeal of renter protections in the city of Kenmore, Tuwila's draft ordinance no longer included protections associated with Rent Increase Notices or Just Cause Eviction.

This is the current draft of Tukwila's new renter protection ordinance:

The draft ordinance as recommended by last year’s PCD Committee in November 2023
includes the following components:

• Distribution of Information – the City will prepare written summaries of legal
  protections and landlords would be required to provide them to prospective renters,
  to new tenants, and to existing tenants.
• Deposit Requirements - upfront costs over and above the 1st month’s rent are capped
  at a total of 1-month rent, with a right to pay in installments over 6 months, or 2
  months for leases shorter than 6 months.
• Late Fees – Fees for late payment of rent shall not exceed 1.5% of monthly rent.
• Rent Due Dates – Tenants may adjust rent due date if on a fixed income.
• Social Security Numbers – Landlords may request but not require a social security
  number for purpose of screening prospective tenants.