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Renters

Op-Ed: Seattle’s MFTE Program 7 Widens Access and Participation

One local builder lays out the case for passing the City's Multifamily Tax Exemption Program 7 proposal, which would expand access to a wider pool of renters and encourage participation in the program. The Seattle City Council is set to vote today.

Seattle Poised to Overhaul MFTE Housing Affordability Program, Despite Tenant Concerns

The Seattle City Council is set to greenlight a new iteration of the Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) program with higher allowed rents and rent hikes. The program trades a property tax break for setting aside a quarter of the units with lower rents, but some advocates say the new rent structure is misaligned and will hurt tenants.
Solomon is a Black man wears a suit and glasses. He sits at the Council Chambers dais.

Nelson, Saka Boycott Housing Committee, Blocking Seattle Renters Commission Appointments

Council President Sara Nelson and Councilmember Rob Saka unexpectedly skipped a housing committee meeting Wednesday, holding up 14 appointments to the shorthanded Seattle Renters Commission. Councilmember Alexis Rinck sharply criticized the "disrespectful" move, as did several nominees.
Tenants hold signs criticizing RUBS in front of Cornell and Associates office

Op-Ed: It’s Time to Ban Ratio Utility Billing

Landlords have used ratio utility billing systems as a backdoor to jack up rents. It’s time to ban the practice in Washington State.
Tenants hold signs saying "hold bad landlords accountable" and "everyone deserves dignified housing" and "SROC stands against abusive landlords" and "workers rights = renters' rights"

Op-Ed: Five Ways to Lower Rents in Seattle

Here are five things Seattle leaders could be doing to lower your rent, in observance of Affordable Housing Week.

Rent Stabilization Makes It Across the Finish Line at Last Minute

The Washington State Legislature approved a 7% to 10% cap on rent hikes Sunday, after the proposal faced a rollercoaster of obstacles over the course of the 105-day session.
A sign in front of an apartment building advertising "Affordable Micro Studios" with utilities and wifi included

Lawmakers Reach Rent Stabilization Compromise

Rent increases would be capped between 7% and 10% under the compromise measure approved by a conference committee Thursday night. It still needs to advance back through both chambers by Sunday night to reach the Governor's desk.
Cleveland hold the microphone on the floor and has blond hair and glasses. On the Annette Cleveland desk behind her is a bouquet of flowers.

Washington Senate OKs Rent Stabilization Bill After Gutting It

On Thursday, the Washington State Senate took the leap and approved a rent stabilization bill, but first senators gutted it with provisions that quickly earned the ire of tenant advocates. An original 7% cap on annual rent increases could instead rise to 20% or more.