Shoreline Tenant Protections

Shoreline City Council passed tenant protections on December 11, despite significant opposition from housing providers in Shoreline, WMFHA, and other housing associations . This new ordinance establishes new protections for Shoreline tenants, in addition to those already provided under the Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RLTA, RCW, 59.18).

What Does This Mean?

• Notice of Rent Increase
  • 120 days for increase greater than 3%
  • 180 days for increase greater than 10%
• Move in fees, deposits and last months rent
  • All move-in fees and deposits cannot equal more than one month’s rent
  • All such fees can be paid in installments
• Late Fees
  • Late fees cannot exceed 1.5% of one month rent
  • Tenant may propose different rent due date if their primary source of income is government assistance
    • Can request date to align with income payment date
• Tenant Screening
  • Landlord may request, but not require social security number or other tax ID as part of screening process
• Additional Fees
  • All charges, one-time or recurring, in addition to rent must be included in rental agreement addendum
  • May not charge fee for tenant access to common areas or share of utilities for common areas for any landlord duty required by state law, for example mail room
  • May not charge fee for issuance of notices to tenant

Does this Apply to You?

This only applies to properties in the City of Shoreline. Check to see if your property is in the city limits here.

This is a high level overview and not legal advice.  Please review the ordinance language with your legal counsel.