Burien City Council Passes Strengthened Renter Protections

The Burien City Council's recent passage of Ordinance 804 on October 24, 2022, marks a significant advancement in renter protections, amending previous regulations from 2019. The ordinance mandates that landlords provide 120 days' notice for rent increases exceeding 3% and 180 days for those exceeding 10%, ensuring tenants are adequately informed. Furthermore, move-in fees, including deposits and last month’s rent, are capped at one month’s rent, with provisions for installment payments based on lease duration. The updated just cause eviction requirements prevent landlords from evicting tenants from unlicensed or uninspected units, enhancing tenant security. Late fees are capped at $10 per month, and landlords cannot charge additional fees for legal costs or attorney fees.

Importantly, Social Security numbers cannot be required for rental applications, allowing alternative financial verification methods. These reforms collectively aim to foster a more equitable rental market in Burien, addressing critical issues faced by tenants. The city encourages both renters and landlords to familiarize themselves with these new protections to ensure compliance and support fair housing practices.