Seattle (Associated Press)-Seattle is extending the city’s coronavirus moratorium until September 30.
The ban was originally established in March 2020 as the city tried to avoid expelling people who were unemployed and owed rent due to the pandemic. According to the Seattle Times, the extension announced on June 18 was the fifth extension ordered by Mayor Jenny Durkan.
Seattle’s ban applies to residential, non-profit, and small business tenants. Small businesses are defined as businesses with no more than 50 employees.
Most tenants are prohibited from eviction, including eviction due to non-payment of rent, but tenants are still obligated to pay rent and may accumulate debt.
Seattle requires landlords to provide payment plans and prohibits late fees and interest. Eviction can be sought in dangerous situations.
A similar statewide moratorium will expire on June 30.
The landlord opposed the extension of the ban on evictions.
“Where is the rental assistance? The Washington Rental Housing Association and the Washington Multi-Family Housing Association stated in a joint statement on June 18 that millions of dollars have been allocated to help pay for housing costs, but no one has yet received a dime.
