WE WON TWO STEPS FORWARD for TENANT RIGHTS IN ONE WEEK!

This week, tenants won gains in affordable housing and access to housing…
but it’s only the beginning!

Survivors Won Necessary Protections to Access Housing

Governor Inslee signed Part II of the Fair Tenant Screening Act (SSB 5568), creating necessary protections for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. This step towards increased access to housing and fair tenant screening follows on the heels of our success last year passing Part I of FTSA, which created more transparency for tenants when we apply for housing. Congratulations to TU members and leaders, staff, Board members, and all the organizations who worked tirelessly on this new law, especially the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, and Northwest Justice Project, and Solid Ground. The new protections require that a tenant screening company not disclose an applicant’s status as a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. These protections are critical in ensuring that survivors can access housing and secure a safe and stable home for themselves and their families. Read more about the Fair Tenant Screening Act and how the TU is organizing for greater housing access in an article coming soon.

A Step Towards Affordable Housing in South Lake Union, Seattle

Seattle City Council voted to incentivize affordable housing development in the South Lake Union neighborhood this Monday. We thank all the tenants and advocates, including our partners at Puget Sound Sage, who helped us take this step towards affordable housing, but we also know there is more work to do. We want housing for low and modest wage families, Section 8 voucher holders, seniors, and people with disabilities who would not be able to access housing built only for people earning 80% Area Median Income. Send a thank you and a message to Council emphasizing our goals for a liveable, sustainable, and affordable South Lake Union at South Lake Union: A Neighborhood for All Families?