For those of you working in the City of Seattle, you've probably been
privy to the new ordinance in the city called First in Time.
To remind, this ordinance mandates that a Seattle landlord must "offer
tenancy of the available unit to the first prospective occupant meeting all
screening criteria."
Although originally planned to go into effect January 1st, 2017 this has now been amended to an effective date of July 1st, 2017, allowing additional time to develop more guidance
for Seattle Landlords.
Building owners in Seattle have an obligation to provide safe, clean, secure living conditions. Generally, owners have the responsibility to: Keep the premises fit for human habitation and keep any common areas reasonably clean and safe • Provide for control of insects, rodents and other pests • Maintain all structural components (roof, walls and foundation) and keep the unit weather tight • Maintain all electrical, plumbing, heating and other equipment and appliances supplied by the owner • Provide adequate containers for garbage • When responsible for heating rental units, maintain daytime (7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.) temperatures at no less than 68 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures at no less than 58 degrees Fahrenheit from September through June • Change lock mechanism and keys in non-transient accommodations upon change of tenancies, and provide unit and building entrance door keys to tenants • Install smoke detectors and instruct tenants as to their operation and maintenance Owners are not responsible for cosmetic repairs such as new carpeting and a fresh coat of paint after each tenancy.
Few Washington State Tenant law changes going into effect June 2016
1) Security deposit refund and statements must be delivered within 21 days after move-out.
2) Must clearly state tenant standards and willingness to accept a comprehensive reusable screening report tenant may deliver.
