Seattle City Council passed a new law capping rental late fees at just $10 per month. FOX13
The rule comes as the city grapples with a housing crisis and rising inflation, and also comes just over a year after Seattle'sCouncil members Tammy Morales, Teresa Mosqueda and Kshama Sawant sponsored the amendment. Discussions earlier this week suggested moving the cap to 1.5% of total rent up to $50, but the council voted it back down on Tuesday.
The city council says this change brings Seattle in line with neighbor cities Auburn and Burien, which also employ a $10-cap on rental late fees."Today, renters across the city can breathe a sigh of relief," said Morales. "Capping late fees at $10 is the bare minimum that the City can do for renters who are facing financial hardship. We know that wages are not rising at the same rate as the cost of housing.
Morales and Mosqueda claim late fees do not incentivize on-time payment, as renters already prioritize paying rent over all other expenses. Council members say late fees accumulate as debt, tank credit scores, and make it harder to keep one's living space—once that home is gone, the consequences just compound further, they argue.
"Seattle is following a growing number of cities in the region who are limiting late fees to ten dollars," said Mosqueda. "We know renters consistently prioritize paying their rent over all other expenses.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Seattle City Council confirms first members of film commission to boost local film and TV industry'I’m excited to see the innovative ideas the commission puts forward to put Seattle back on the big screen where it belongs,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell.
Read more »
City Council resolution looks to change parking requirements at barsThe resolution says eliminating parking requirements can help curb drunk driving, increase economic activity and make transportation more efficient.
Read more »
We recommend for Dallas City Council District 13In the Dallas City Council District 13 race, incumbent Gay Donnell Willis is defending her seat against a challenge by first-time candidate Priscilla...
Read more »
Our recommendation for Dallas City Council District 4Public safety and economic development are priority issues in District 4, encompassing much of south Oak Cliff. Incumbent Carolyn King Arnold, who has served...
Read more »