CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
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AN ORDINANCE relating to termination of residential rental tenancies; providing a defense to evictions during and after the COVID-19 state of emergency; amending Section 22.206.160 of the Seattle Municipal Code; declaring an emergency; and establishing an immediate effective date; all by a 3/4 vote of the City Council.
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WHEREAS, the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020; and
WHEREAS, self-distancing (keep six feet of distance between individuals) has been recommended to deter the spread of the virus; and
WHEREAS, the Governor of Washington has declared a state of emergency, prohibited gatherings of 50 or more people, and closed K-12 schools statewide in an effort to slow transmission and contraction of the disease; and
WHEREAS, such a ban in conjunction with self-distancing means cancellations of large events and a decrease in the number of people patronizing places of business, resulting in reduced work and loss of income for workers in multiple industries, including the service and entertainment industries; and
WHEREAS, a decrease in income can result in financial instability and uncertainty about how to allocate resources to continuing expenses, including rent; and
WHEREAS, the economic disruptions caused by COVID-19 will increase the likelihood of tenants facing eviction; and
WHEREAS, evictions can often result in homelessness given the rental housing market in Seattle; and
WHEREAS, people experiencing homelessness are at risk of transmitting and contracting COVID-19 because of the nature of close quarters in encampments and shelters, and do not have consistent access to locations for handwashing or other hygiene facilities; and
WHEREAS, the City has a heightened interest in preventing more individuals and families from becoming homeless to avoid the increased risk of transmission and spread ...
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