CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
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AN ORDINANCE relating to housing regulations; amending Sections 14.09.020 and 14.09.025 of the Seattle Municipal Code as adopted in Ordinance 125393 to correct references and clarify notice provisions.
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WHEREAS, Ordinance 125393, enacted on August 23, 2017, adds a new Chapter 14.09 to the Seattle Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, some sections cross-referenced in the ordinance are incorrect; and
WHEREAS, the ordinance’s written notice provisions can be clarified for ease of understanding; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Section 14.09.020 of the Seattle Municipal Code, enacted by Ordinance 125393, is amended as follows:
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14.09.020 Notice to prospective occupants and tenants
Notice of the requirements of this Chapter 14.09 shall be written on all applications for rental properties. The written notice shall ((include)) state that the landlord is prohibited from requiring disclosure, asking about, rejecting an applicant, or taking an adverse action based on any arrest record, conviction record, or criminal history, except for registry information ((pursuant to)) as described in subsections 14.09.025.A.3, 14.09.025.A.4, and 14.09.025.A.5, and subject to the exclusions and legal requirements in ((section 14.09.110)) Section 14.09.115. If a landlord screens prospective occupants for registry information, the written notice shall also include this screening criteria and must inform ((pursuant to section 14.09.025.A.3, the landlord shall provide written notice of screening criteria on all applications for rental properties. Pursuant to section 14.09.025.A.3,)) applicants that they may provide any supplemental information related to an individual’s rehabilitation, good conduct, and facts or explanations regarding their registry information. The Department shall adopt a rule or rules to enforce this Section 14.09.020.
Section 2. Section 14.09.025 of the Seattle Municipal Code, enacted by Ordinance 125393, is amended as follows:
14.09.025 Prohibited use of criminal history
A. It is an unfair practice for any person to:
1. Advertise, publicize, or implement any policy or practice that automatically or categorically excludes all individuals with any arrest record, conviction record, or criminal history from any rental housing that is located within the City.
2. Require disclosure, inquire about, or take an adverse action against a prospective occupant, a tenant, or a member of their household, based on any arrest record, conviction record, or criminal history, except for information pursuant to subsection 14.09.025.A.3 and subject to the exclusions and legal requirements in ((section 14.09.110)) Section 14.09.115.
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Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force February 19, 2018.
Passed by the City Council the ________ day of _________________________, 2018, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its passage this _____ day of _________________________, 2018.
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President ____________ of the City Council
Approved by me this ________ day of _________________________, 2018.
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Jenny A. Durkan, Mayor
Filed by me this ________ day of _________________________, 2018.
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Monica Martinez Simmons, City Clerk
(Seal)