Seattle's New Rental Commission

Rents have skyrocketed about 40 percent across Seattle in the past four years, and some longtime tenants have been priced out. Now the Seattle City Council has voted to create what is believed to be the nation’s first renters’ commission. The new commission will push laws by bringing the renters voice to City Hall.

The commission itself won’t have any power, but it will provide renters a direct line to City Hall. It's unclear which activities/topics the group will tackle first. It is expected they will look into apartment construction, laws protecting tenants from being evicted, Airbnb and other rental services, and existing laws protecting tenants.

Landlord groups opposed the commission, saying it was unfair to give renters special representation at City Hall when most legislation pits the interest of renters against landlords.

Proper Rent continues to keep on top of city regulations to help both landlords and tenants work in seamless and equitable transactions. Our goal is to make the experience of renting enjoyable for all parties.