HomeMy WebLinkAbout110816_Section 8 emergency ordinanceFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2016
City of Renton Contacts:
Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator, 425-430-6569
City of Renton passes emergency fair housing regulations ordinance prohibiting
discrimination of tenants participating in Section 8
Landlords are prohibited from discriminating against tenants and potential tenants based on
participation in Section 8; civil penalties are prescribed for violations
Renton, WA –Renton City Council unanimously passed an emergency ordinance last night prohibiting
property owners and managers from discriminating against tenants or potential tenants based on their
participation in the Section 8 housing program. The ordinance also establishes penalties and an appeals
process. The ordinance takes effect immediately and will expire on August 1, 2017.
“When a group of tenants who participate in Section 8 housing came to us two weeks ago with the
predicament that they were being displaced, we were very concerned about their challenges and we felt it was
critical to address the issue right away,” said Mayor Denis Law. “We are very pleased that the Council passed
the emergency ordinance that helps protect families under these circumstances.”
The Mayor and city administrators held several meetings with housing advocates to better understand what
the families need and determine the steps to take. City staff worked with the Renton Housing Authority,
Tenants Union and Salvation Army to provide assistance and find solutions for the families impacted.
“We have also taken steps to address the issues faced by the group of tenants who came to us initially, “said
Law. “We brought various organizations together including the Renton Housing Authority, the Tenants Union
and various human services organizations to find solutions. As a result many of the landlords have either
withdrawn their renewal notices or are now allowing tenants to stay until the end of their leases.”
“We heard passionate debate on both sides of the issue, at council meetings and via email,” said Council
President Randy Corman. “These families are among Renton’s most vulnerable and it’s our duty to protect
them. The ordinance gives us the ability to make sure they are treated fairly.”
In an email to the Mayor and City Council Dr. Linda Smith, a community advocate, had the following comment:
“I want to say thank you for your compassionate care in passing the Section 8 voucher protection for families
and individuals here in Renton. I especially appreciate the urgency you placed on this matter and the fact that
you took immediate action to find a solution. This was a major success as it does eliminate undue stress from
so many families and children lives who potentially faced sleeping on the streets.”
The ordinance makes it illegal for any property owner, manager, landlord or agent to refuse to rent to a person
solely on the fact the person plans to pay a portion of the rent using money from Section 8, which is
administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Landlords are also prohibited from
refusing to allow required health and safety inspections by the public housing authority, and must now provide
written notice to explain why the unit is ineligible.
The first violation of the ordinance is subject to a $1,000 civil fine. A second violation by the same person
within a two-year period is subject to a $2,500 fine. A third violation by the same person within a three-year
period would be classified as a gross misdemeanor and subject to a jail sentence of 364 days and up to a
$5,000 fine and restitution. Appeals must be made in writing to the City Clerk’s office no later than 14 days
after the fine was issued. The appeal will be reviewed by the Community and Economic Development
administrator or designee.
The passing of an ordinance is just the latest step the city has taken to assist low-income families.
“The housing market throughout the region has shifted and caused hardships for families of all income levels,”
said Law. “Cost of homes and rental rates are increasing throughout the region. Like other areas in Seattle and
Bellevue, Renton is also becoming increasingly unaffordable. We need to find long term solutions for
affordable housing.”
To provide more help, the City of Renton will host a Housing Resource Fair on Thursday, November 10, from 3
to 5 p.m. at the Renton Community Center. The fair is designed to bring human services organizations along
with the Renton School District together to provide assistance.
About the City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 101,300 (2016), is located on the southeast shore of Lake
Washington, just south of Seattle. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace and favorable business
climate have attracted the attention of nationally recognized companies that are providing employees and
their families an outstanding quality of life. Renton is the home of Boeing, PACCAR, IKEA, the Seattle Seahawks,
and the eternal resting place of Jimi Hendrix. More information can be found at rentonwa.gov.
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