UPDATE: February 2 at 10:05 p.m.
The Spokane City Council approved the ordinance 5-2 Monday night, allowing for a more streamlined process for tenants to access eviction prevention funds. Additionally, landlords will now be required to provide written notice about available programs.
The ordinance will also establish a permanent city-supported eviction prevention program, which will be overseen by Community Health and Human Services.
There has been some pushback from small landlords who are already struggling with overdue rent.
One landlord expressed concerns, stating she has tenants who have not paid rent for over two years.
The city has announced that an updated program list will be posted on their website.
SPOKANE, Wash. – A new ordinance called “Pathways to Eviction Diversion” is on the table in Spokane and could impact both tenants and landlords.
If passed, the ordinance would require additional steps before an eviction notice is issued. These steps aim to help renters keep their homes by placing more responsibilities on landlords.
Landlords would need to provide written information about city-funded eviction prevention programs when serving a pay or vacate notice. They would also have to participate in an eviction diversion program before proceeding with most residential evictions.
Failure to meet these requirements could serve as a defense for tenants during eviction proceedings.
The Spokane City Council will not be voting on this ordinance yet. Tonight’s meeting will mark the first reading, and the community is watching closely to see how this develops in the coming weeks.
ORIGINAL COVERAGE: January 12 at 9:15 p.m.
