Durkan Extends Seattle's Eviction Protections Into January

SEATTLE — Seattle's protections against most commercial and residential evictions will remain intact for another four months after Mayor Jenny Durkan signed the sixth extension to her executive order Tuesday. The updated order will be in effect through Jan. 15, 2022.

In a news release, the mayor's office cited a recent analysis by The Seattle Times, which found at least 60,000 renters are behind on payments. Gov. Jay Inslee's statewide eviction moratorium "bridge" ends Sept. 30.

"Seattle continues to show the nation how to protect small businesses and residents by establishing and continuing one of the first in the nation moratoriums on evictions to keep families safe," Durkan said in a statement. "Our early actions have and continue to keep people safe and housed. While we face the unexpected rise of the Delta variant, this next extension will ensure every level of government can provide rental assistance and housing support to tenants and landlords, which is critical to stabilizing the community as we reopen and recover."

According to the mayor's office, Seattle has distributed more than $15 million in rent relief from its first round of funding through the American Rescue Plan Act. Another $28 million in federal funding was approved in August.

The mayor's extended order continues to bar landlords from issuing notices or initiating evictions unless there is an "imminent threat to the health and safety of the community." Landlords also may not charge late fees, interest or other fees under the moratorium. Tenants are still legally responsible for overdue rent, but landlords are encouraged to offer payment plans.

For commercial properties, the order applies to nonprofits and independently-owned small businesses with 50 or fewer employees per location.

Once the order expires, a separate ordinance takes effect for six months, which gives tenants a legal defense against eviction for non-payment if they can prove financial hardship due to COVID-19.

Residential tenants who receive eviction notices during the moratorium period are encouraged to contact the renters' hotline at 206-684-5700.