MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Gov. Inslee says lots of talk, no decision yet on extending eviction moratorium

Jun 17, 2021, 2:47 PM

eviction, rent cap late fees, rent control vote...

An apartment building in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. (MyNorthwest photo)

(MyNorthwest photo)

Governor Inslee says he knows it’s urgent, but he is not ready to announce if the eviction moratorium will be extended past June 30 in Washington state.

Kshama Sawant mounts pressure as deadline on Seattle eviction moratorium looms

Mediation programs, legal support, and pandemic relief are among the things that need to be sorted out before state leaders decide if they will extend the eviction moratorium past the end of the month.

“I can tell you we are very aware of the gap between the current termination of the order and the standing up of the relief for tenants and landlords,” Inslee said. “That’s a significant gap.”

A significant amount of pandemic rental relief has not been distributed yet, and Governor Inslee said that has renters in a precarious situation. His team is trying to find a solution and will make an announcement as soon as possible.

“Continuing to talk to legislators and folks who are affected by this,” Inslee said. “So we’ll have some decisions obviously before the end of June, but we are working on some potential resolution of these issues.”

This week, Kirkland and Kenmore extended their eviction moratoriums to September 30. Kent, Burien and Bellevue are considering similar moves.

Seattle’s moratorium is also set to expire on June 30. When last asked in early June about whether she intends to push that deadline, Mayor Jenny Durkan indicated that she wanted to dig into the data and coordinate with Gov. Inslee’s office before making a final decision.

“Mayor Durkan has a choice: She can stand with struggling renters and extend the eviction moratorium through this year, or represent corporate landlords,” said City Councilmember Kshama Sawant. She is calling for rally on Thursday, June 24, at Cal Anderson Park.

Seattle group voices concern over ‘tsunami of evictions’

According to Solid Ground — a Seattle-based group that provides resources and services to tenants in need — the conclusion of the state’s eviction moratorium could have wide-ranging, dire consequences. It cited data cited from a U.S. Census survey between April 28 and May 10 that indicates roughly 82,500 people in the Greater Seattle area are behind on rent.

MyNorthwest News

Photo: On Monday, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced there will be 16 new preschool classrooms across Se...

Julia Dallas

Harrell’s office announces Seattle preschool slots for thousands of kids

Thousands more families will have the chance to start their children's Seattle preschool education earlier, thanks to a program launching.

44 minutes ago

Digital...

Micki Gamez

How parents can help prevent children from falling victim to online sex crimes

Chances are, if your teen has a cell phone or tablet, they either know someone or they have been the victim of an online sex crime because kids as young as seven are online more than ever. My interest in this story began almost the same time last year when my daughter came home and […]

5 hours ago

Pierce County Jail...

Bill Kaczaraba

Pierce County Corrections chief at odds with the employee guild

The Corrections Bureau's Guild has issued Patti Jackson a vote of 'no confidence,' as reported by The Tacoma News Tribune.

6 hours ago

Image: A Seattle Police Department vehicle seen during the day...

Sam Campbell

Security guard stabbed, suspect barricades inside Beacon Hill apartment

SWAT officers surrounded a complex in Seattle's Beacon Hill neighborhood after police said a man stabbed a guard barricaded himself inside.

8 hours ago

seattle indecent exposure...

Frank Sumrall

Seattle man arrested for 14 counts of indecent exposure, most near schools

A 34-year-old man was arrested by Seattle police (SPD) in connection to 14 counts of indecent exposure near Lake Forest Park.

8 hours ago

Federal Way shootings...

Bill Kaczaraba

Federal Way Police say two shootings are related

Police believe two shootings in Federal Way are related.

10 hours ago

Gov. Inslee says lots of talk, no decision yet on extending eviction moratorium