04-07-2020 Moratorium on EvictionsResolution supporting ban on residential evictions and ratifying Proclamation of Emergency No. 20-02 establishing moratorium on late fees
City Council
April 7, 2020
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Policy Question
Should City Council adopt the proposed resolution?
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COVID-19 Pandemic
Threat to life, health, and economy.
02/29/2020: Governor Inslee declared a State of Emergency
03/09/2020: Mayor Ferrell issued Proclamation of Emergency 20-01
03/13/2020: the President of the United States declared a national emergency
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Residential Eviction Moratorium
03/17/2020: King County Sheriff’s Office issued a notice to temporarily suspend enforcement and execution of court-related evictions
03/18/2020: Washington State moratorium on evictions
03/27/2020: Mayor Ferrell’s Proclamation of Emergency 20-02 establishing a moratorium on residential tenant late fees relating to delinquent payments and supporting the March 18, 2020
order
At minimum, Seattle, Auburn, and Burien have taken similar action.
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Eviction Moratorium
Due to the necessary Stay at Home order, many resident have had reductions or loss of income.
Essential to keeping people housed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Moratorium on Residential Late Fees
Late fees may accrue as a result of late rent payments.
Late fees contribute to accrued debt that makes it unmanageable for renters to catch up.
Reducing or removing late fees may result in fewer evictions once the moratorium has ended, reduce debts owed, and maximize potential resources designed to assist residential renters
catch up on rent and stay housed.
Federal Way Resolution 09-546 delegates to the Mayor the duty to make emergency rules and proclamations
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Planning for after the Moratorium
Renters are urged to prioritize paying rent and to talk with their landlord if they can only pay a portion to see if a payment plan is possible.
It is recognized that many people will be unable to pay full rent and landlords may be unable or unwilling to allow partial payments or wait for full payment.
Rent assistance resources are limited and are anticipated to be insufficient to meet the need.
General retain the
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Questions?
Resolution supporting ban on residential evictions and ratifying
Proclamation of Emergency No. 20-02 establishing moratorium on
late fees
April 7, 2020
Staff Contacts:
Sarah Bridgeford, Community Services Manager
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