Mayor Wilson signs rental junk fee ban into law, landlords who violate could be taken to court

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson signed her rental junk fee ban into law on Wednesday.

The legislation, sponsored by Seattle City Councilmember Dionne Foster, eliminates rental junk fees, including pet rent, administrative service fees, and package fees. It also requires landlords to provide clear, upfront pricing for tenants.

“I am pleased to be signing this legislation to eliminate rental junk fees,” Wilson said in a statement. “Junk fees have been a constant source of unnecessary stress for renters across Seattle, and their removal will provide much-needed peace of mind. This is one fewer burden for residents navigating rising costs and represents a significant step towards making Seattle an affordable city for working families and their pets.”

Landlords who violate the junk fee ban could face legal action from the City Attorney’s Office, which can seek three times the amount of the illegal fees.

“This ban on junk fees in rental housing provides tenants fairness and transparency,” Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans said in a statement. “This legislation also protects good and responsible landlords by banning deceptive practices by their competitors. When bad actors break the rules by cutting corners or avoiding transparency, we will hold them accountable in court.”

‘Overall, this is a loss’: KIRO hosts says junk fee ban will backfire on renters

When Wilson proposed the ban in July, landlord groups criticized the legislation for creating additional regulatory burdens for rental property owners.

“Polarized politics have limited both the viability and opportunity to provide rental housing due to steeply increased business risks, costs, complexity, and unpredictability,” Seattle Grassroots Landlords laid out on its website.

KIRO host Jake Skorheim also criticized the ban, saying in August on “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio that landlords aren’t going to eat the cost of the fees, but will fold them into the base rent, therefore making rent more expensive for everyone.

“Overall, this is a loss,” Jake said. “This is making it more expensive for renters.”

KIRO host John Curley had the same thought, saying the extra fees will wind up in the pockets of renters.

“This is the government’s cost to you that you bear by paying your rent,” Curley said on “The John Curley Show” on KIRO Newsradio in July. “Then they get rid of the pet fee, meaning everybody will pay when someone’s dog takes a crap on the carpet.”

Tenant advocates say junk fee ban gives renters ‘more predictability and control’

On the other side, tenant advocates said the newly proposed law is not only about ensuring landlords are transparent about their fees, but also helping ensure renters don’t enter into contracts they can’t afford.

“People want a city where they can afford their homes, support their families, and have the stability to plan for the future,” Co-Executive Director of Be:Seattle Kate Rubin said in a statement. “Banning rental junk fees will give Seattle renters more predictability and control over their housing costs. We’re energized by what our communities and elected leaders are accomplishing together, and excited for what comes next.”

KIRO host Gee Scott supported the legislation, especially because it gets rid of pet rent.

“This is a new thing, the whole monthly expense for the animal,” Gee said on “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio in August. “You guys know, back in the day, you’ve got a dog, a cat, it’s going to be an extra $250 or $500 or $1,000, whatever the case is, on your deposit. This whole paying a monthly deal — I’m sorry, I ain’t backing down on this.”

Wilson’s ban follows Gov. Bob Ferguson’s landmark rent cap bill, signed nearly a year and a half ago, which limits annual rent increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower.

Contributing: Luke Duecy, KIRO Newsradio

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