Harrell Extends Seattle's Eviction Moratorium For The Last Time

SEATTLE — Seattle's eviction moratorium will expire at the end of the month, nearly two years after it was first put in place.

In a news release Friday, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced he was extending the residential and commercial eviction moratoria two weeks through the end of February, but warned they would not be renewed afterwards.

“With COVID cases steadily declining, the time has come for the City to move on from the broad approach of the eviction moratoria and instead drive more deliberate and focused efforts to support those most in need,” Harrell said. “In addition to distribution of all available emergency rental assistance, truly vulnerable tenants – those still suffering significant pandemic-related financial hardships – will continue to have enhanced eviction protections, while at the same time small landlords have needed clarity as they evaluate how to move forward.”

Seattle's eviction moratorium was first issued on March 14, 2020, and has been extended a half dozen times in the nearly two years since. Under the moratorium, landlords cannot evict tenants unless they can prove there is an "imminent threat to the health and safety of the community". They are also not allowed to demand late fees, interest or other charges on unpaid rent. Tenants, however, will still be required to pay back any past-due rent they've accrued when the moratorium is lifted— or face eviction.

To prevent a wave of mass evictions, Harrell said he has directed the Office of Housing to "urgently" distribute over $25 million to support renters and small landlords. The City of Seattle will also be developing a new website to help tenants and landlords find financial resources, information on their rights and protections and other updates, the mayor's office said.

“As we work together toward a new normal, we know we’re not yet out of the woods of this pandemic,” Harrell said. “The City of Seattle will continue to take action to support those most in need – striving to protect the health and well-being of our residents, prevent homelessness and undue financial hardship, and build 'One Seattle' with abundant opportunity for all and thriving, vibrant, connected communities.”

In 2019, Seattle had more renters than homeowners for the first time since 1910, the Seattle Times reported. It's unclear exactly how many of those renters are currently behind on their rent and may face eviction once the moratorium ends, but a September study by the Times found some 60,000 Seattle-area tenants were behind on rent in fall. In summer, the state estimated that some 175,000 Washingtonians fell behind on their rent during the pandemic— accruing a total debt of between 1.1 and 1.2 billion in past-due rent.

When evictions do resume, they're likely to hurt some residents more than others. Several studies, including the Losing Home report and the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey, have found that resuming evictions without adequate protection will disproportionately impact women and communities of color.

Once the moratorium does expire, landlords are encouraged to offer flexible repayment plans, though the city has also passed an ordinance creating a system of standardized repayment plans.

Residential tenants who do receive eviction notices before the end of the month can file a complaint by calling the Renting in Seattle hotline at 206-684-5700 or online through the City of Seattle's website.