Redmond City Council Begins Review of Tenant Protection Updates

On July 15, the Redmond City Council held its first discussion on a series of proposed updates to the city's tenant protection ordinances. The current proposals are centered around three primary areas.

• The first consists of a package of code amendments designed to modernize existing language and align the Redmond Municipal Code with changes to Washington state law enacted since the ordinances were last updated in 2022. These amendments were developed with the intent of being largely noncontroversial, providing the Council with an opportunity to implement immediate updates that improve consistency and reflect current law.
• The second proposal would establish an algorithmic price-setting ordinance modeled after the measure adopted by King County. Discussion on this proposal remains largely on hold as the Council awaits a report from the King County Executive evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of the county's ordinance.
• The third proposal would update the City's business license requirements for rental housing providers. Potential changes under consideration include revisions to business license regulations, expanded in-building posting requirements, and clearer tenant information display requirements.

Following discussion, the Council voted in favor of Policy Option "1D", or to "wait on passing any policy and bring forward a single comprehensive package after additional staff review, stakeholder engagement, and analysis."

The next key date to watch is August 3, when the Redmond City Council begins its month-long August recess. If no additional action is taken before then, discussion of these proposals is expected to resume in the fall.

Want to be apart of the continuing conversation? contact me at william@wmfha.org