HomeMy WebLinkAboutCDN 2019-10-29 Item 2E - Policy - Rental Housing PoliciesCity of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Community Affairs and Neighborhoods Committee
FROM: Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst
DATE: October 22, 2019
SUBJECT: Rental Housing Policies
ISSUE
The Community Development & Neighborhoods Committee has requested discussion of
rental housing, beginning with an overview of current City of Tukwila policies.
BACKGROUND
Various federal, state, and local laws protect housing rights, including the Federal Fair
Housing Act of 1968, the Washington State Residential Landlord -Tenant Act, and the
Washington State Mobile Home Landlord -Tenant Act. The City of Tukwila has several local
code provisions and programs in place that are designed to protect renters.
Residential Rental Business License and Inspection Program
Codified at Tukwila Municipal Code 5.06, this program was established in 2010 to protect the
health and safety of renters by ensuring proper maintenance of housing units and requiring
correction of substandard conditions. Rental unit owners are required to obtain an annual
license and complete housing unit inspections every four years. In 2015 the inspection
checklist was updated to incorporate National Healthy Housing Standards relating to pest
management and mold.
Source of Income Discrimination
Codified at Tukwila Municipal Code 8.47 (Fair Housing Regulations), this ordinance was
adopted in 2017 and prohibits property owners and landlords from refusing to rent to
families or individuals based solely on the fact that their income includes government
subsidies such as Section 8, HUD-VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing), or other
assistance programs. Because the housing market in the area is so competitive with rising
rents, people that rely on assistance programs are vulnerable to discrimination and this
provides some protection. The State Legislature adopted source of income protections that
became effective statewide on September 30, 2018.
Relocation Assistance
Adopted in 2006 and codified at Tukwila Municipal Code 8.46, this established a relocation
assistance program for tenants whose dwellings have been condemned by the City. If the
City determines that a landlord has failed to provide the tenant with relocation assistance as
required by RCW 59.18.085, the City may advance the cost up to $2,000 or 3x the monthly
rent, whichever is greater, and then require reimbursement from the landlord.
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INFORMATIONAL MEMO
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Rental & Utility Assistance
The office of Human Services contracts with two agencies to provide once in a lifetime or up
to $700 (lifetime maximum) rental/utility assistance to Tukwila residents. Agencies collect
appropriate documentation, verify income, provide referrals to additional resources and
distribute checks. Each household is screened for eligibility, need is verified, payments go
directly to the documented property owner/utility provider. Funding for rental/utility
assistance comes from the Human Services Professional Services budget, and approximately
$45,000 is spent each year on rent and $15,000 is spent on utility assistance.
Utility Tax Relief
The City of Tukwila operates a utility tax relief program for low income residents that are
either seniors over 62 or disabled. Eligible residents will receive a rebate check from the city
for a 50% discount on utility taxes and surcharges.
RECOMMENDATION
Committee discussion.
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