The Seattle City Council on Tuesday approved legislation that makes it easier for tenants who are behind on their monthly rent to get caught up on their back payments.
In a 7-1 vote with City Councilwoman Sara Nelson casting the dissenting ballot, the panel approved legislation introduced by City Councilman Dan Strauss that increases the amount of time given to tenants to get caught up on past due rent by defining a “reasonable plan” as one in which back rent can be repaid in monthly installments.
Under the ordinance that was approved by the council, no payment can exceed one-third of the tenant’s monthly rent.
In the past, Seattle renters had up to six months after the end of a declared civil emergency to get caught up on their back rent. Under the new proposal, renters now have an indefinite time frame to repay what they owe.
Strauss said the proposal will give people who are still recovering from the economic shock of COVID-19 a plan that is a predictable and reasonable way to repay any rental debt they have accrued.
The bill is now headed to Mayor Bruce Harrell’s desk for his signature.
