Seattle City Council has passed Council Bill 121254, introducing new requirements related to rental fees, disclosures, recordkeeping, and enforcement. The ordinance takes effect July 1, 2027, giving property managers and landlords time to review their existing practices and prepare for the changes.
For those who conduct tenant background screening, screening fees remain permitted under the new law. However, existing Seattle requirements continue to apply, including the requirement that landlords charge only the actual cost of tenant screening. Property managers and landlords should review how these fees are disclosed to applicants and ensure their practices comply with applicable requirements.
What Does This Mean for Tenant Screening?
For property managers and landlords operating in Seattle, the ordinance addresses several aspects of the rental process, including how fees are disclosed to tenants and prospective tenants. Reviewing application materials and fee disclosures will be important to understanding whether any changes are needed before the new requirements take effect.
In addition to fee disclosures, the ordinance includes recordkeeping requirements and provisions related to enforcement. Reviewing current procedures can help identify areas that may need to be updated ahead of the July 1, 2027, deadline.
Preparing for July 1, 2027
With the effective date approaching, now is a good time for property managers and landlords to review screening fees, application procedures, and recordkeeping practices. While tenant screening fees remain allowed, it is important to understand how the new ordinance may affect rental fee disclosures and other aspects of the application process.
For questions about tenant screening fees or how the new Seattle requirements may affect your application process, contact Alliance 2020 at support@alliance2020.com.
