New Ordinance to Tenant Screening

The Seattle City Council has approved an ordinance which will prevent landlords from screening tenants based on their criminal history.  A copy of the ordinance can be found at http://seattle.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3089232&GUID=49272C76-0464-4C6E-A1FF-140591D00410&FullText=1.  While the ordinance does provide certain limited exceptions, the City will be imposing fines on landlords who violate this ordinance, beginning at $11,000 for a first-time offense.  The ordinance will take effect on January 20, 2018.  As always, feel free to reach out to the attorneys at Holmquist & Gardiner, PLLC with any questions on this issue or other landlord tenant laws.