Proposed plan aims to strengthen renters' protection in Seattle
SEATTLE -- The city's renters may get more help to battle bad landlords.
The proposed plan aims to protect the renters of Seattle's some 42,000 rental properties.
Seattle City Council member Nick Licata helped propose the healthy homes initiative, which would require random inspections of rentals.
"A lot of people are intimidated about their landlord, because they can be kicked out if they complain," said Licata.
Until now, renters could only file complaints with the city and hope for the best. The new measure could help renters like Melissa Harry.
"We found out that we were living in an illegal unit and had to leave," she said. "And we're presently living in a motel."
Charles Spaeth, who represents landlords through the Rental Housing Association of Puget Sound, welcomes the scrutiny to weed out bad owners.
"The question is now, how do you deal with the real details so that it doesn't become burdensome for what we call the 'good landlords?'" he said.
The inspections may be random, but they likely will not be a surprise. Landlords and renters will be given a 48-hour advanced notice. Some argue that could be enough time to cover up bad conditions, but Licata disagrees.
"The goal is not to play catch it, or gotcha; the goal is really to educate," he said. '
Renters, meantime, are anxious to receive additional protection from the city.
"We're a good city. We're a progressive city. We've got to show that," said Mary Anderson.
But that help won't come soon. The proposal has bee making the rounds around committees for nearly three years now.
The city says it has a 10-year plan to get the program up and running.A vote to start the process is expected in late summer.
The proposed plan aims to protect the renters of Seattle's some 42,000 rental properties.
Seattle City Council member Nick Licata helped propose the healthy homes initiative, which would require random inspections of rentals.
"A lot of people are intimidated about their landlord, because they can be kicked out if they complain," said Licata.
Until now, renters could only file complaints with the city and hope for the best. The new measure could help renters like Melissa Harry.
"We found out that we were living in an illegal unit and had to leave," she said. "And we're presently living in a motel."
Charles Spaeth, who represents landlords through the Rental Housing Association of Puget Sound, welcomes the scrutiny to weed out bad owners.
"The question is now, how do you deal with the real details so that it doesn't become burdensome for what we call the 'good landlords?'" he said.
The inspections may be random, but they likely will not be a surprise. Landlords and renters will be given a 48-hour advanced notice. Some argue that could be enough time to cover up bad conditions, but Licata disagrees.
"The goal is not to play catch it, or gotcha; the goal is really to educate," he said. '
Renters, meantime, are anxious to receive additional protection from the city.
"We're a good city. We're a progressive city. We've got to show that," said Mary Anderson.
But that help won't come soon. The proposal has bee making the rounds around committees for nearly three years now.
The city says it has a 10-year plan to get the program up and running.A vote to start the process is expected in late summer.
