New Tenant Protections Enhance Citys Ability to Address Housing and Homelessness

Olympia's City Council has enacted comprehensive tenant protections to enhance housing stability and address the local homelessness crisis affecting over half of the city's renters. Recent legislative changes include extending notice periods for rent increases—requiring 120 days for hikes over 5% and 180 days for increases of 10% or more. These protections limit excessive fees, such as late payment penalties, ensuring transparent communication of all charges to tenants. Furthermore, new policies provide relocation assistance for renters facing significant rent increases or unsafe living conditions. The city mandates annual registration of rental properties and health inspections to ensure a safer living environment.

These measures are critical given findings that rising rents correlate with increasing homelessness rates. By allowing tenants to install cooling devices, the city prioritizes tenant health and comfort amidst rising temperatures. Collectively, these initiatives underscore Olympia's commitment to fostering a fair and equitable rental market, protecting vulnerable residents from housing instability.