To the Editor of the JOLT:
The JOLT’s May 20th article, “Olympia committee seeks to legislate rent-increase notices, limit move-in costs” describes how the Olympia City Council is considering ways, such as increasing notification of rent increases, limiting security deposits, and requiring a housing registry to mitigate the rising cost of rental housing. Olympia is also considering additional changes, such as a ban on the use of credit histories. Unfortunately, if Olympia follows Seattle’s lead, it might, ironically, worsen the availability of rental housing in our city.
While it is commendable that the Council is looking for housing solutions, it is crucial that their actions at a minimum do not worsen an already challenging situation. There is growing evidence that, since Seattle implemented these policies, many small landlords have exited the rental market. In the face of growing regulatory barriers, many have sold their rental properties and it appears that many have been converted from rental to owner-occupied properties. Seattle’s own Rental Property Registration database shows a net loss of 3,407 properties containing 11,421 units since May 2021. This is an 11% decrease representing a drastic decline in the availability of rental properties in the city of Seattle.
A recent survey of small housing providers found that almost half of those selling did so due to increased legislative burden. These trends provide a strong argument to not rashly follow Seattle’s lead at this time.
Instead, the Council should consider policies that have been shown to work. The Urban Institute – a liberal think tank – has recommended several evidence-based practices, including:
Hopefully, the Olympia City Council will consider these and other proven strategies to support renters and will avoid actions that may only serve to worsen the plight for renters.
Sincerely,
David Hanig, Olympia
David Hanig volunteers as a member of the board of directors of The JOLT News Organization.
5 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
AugieH
As the owner of one single-family rental property in West Olympia, I say: Hear! Hear! Mr. Hanig is right on!
Wednesday, June 1, 2022 Report this
Tractor1
All of the suggestions will create a bureaucratic structure to administer and that will cost money. Who will be expected to foot the bill for another progressive movement increasing the costs to government, landlords, and taxpayers?
Wednesday, June 1, 2022 Report this
FirstOtter
If Olympia goes the route of Seattle, I will sell my rental property.
Thursday, June 2, 2022 Report this
sunshine39
As a "Mom" landlord for almost 50 years,I totally agree with Mr. Hanig; landlords must do their "due-diligence" referances in selecting tenants, but can't be hamstrung with more regs. A ban on credit histories would drive me right out of the market.
Saturday, June 4, 2022 Report this
FirstOtter
The list of "several evidence based practices' completely ignores the landlord. Who will advocate for the landlord? The think tank fails to address things such as renter caused damages, for instance. I had to replace a two year old carpet after my renters took in two unhousebroken dogs, despite my No Dogs policy. Was I compensated for that?
Or how about the Fish and Wildlife dept. employee who moved here from Wisconsin, paid me one months' rent, and then, because I refused to allow her felon of a boyfriend to move in, who'd just been released from a ten year prison sentence, stopped paying rent. It took me six months to evict her and in the meantime, she trashed my rental house, and then bought one in Olympia after having six months to shop around.
Or how about renters who use the rental as a business, for instance, selling drugs?
Where is the think tank's recommendations about that?
They're painting every landlord as a greedy, racist slum lord, every renter as a poor victim of society. The only tool we have is eviction and if they take that away from me, I will never rent my place out again.
Wednesday, June 8, 2022 Report this