If you’ve rented a new apartment in Seattle in the last year, chances are that you ran into the first-in-time law. It required landlords to rent to the first qualified applicant. When enacted, the law was touted as a first in the nation attempt to protect tenants’ rights. Landlords argued that it overrode their property rights – and yesterday, a judge agreed.
Liz Dupee of the Tenants Union of Washington State and Chris Benis of the Rental Housing Association of Washington joined Bill Radke to discuss the law’s intention and consequences, and talk about what comes next.
Yesterday the law that required Seattle landlords to rent to the first qualified tenant was struck down.
— KUOW Public Radio (@KUOW) March 29, 2018
We're talking with @LizEDupee & Chris Benis about the issue. #KUOWrecord
Benis: I think all of us need to recognize that we have bias.
— KUOW Public Radio (@KUOW) March 29, 2018
Any unintended consequences of the law?@LizEDupee: Someone who didn't have internet access or don't have a lunch break to be able to get out to see a place could be an issue.
— KUOW Public Radio (@KUOW) March 29, 2018
Same question:
— KUOW Public Radio (@KUOW) March 29, 2018
Benis: We raised our credit score minimum. If we have to take the first person who meets the criteria, we're going to make it high. Also, people selling their properties or not advertising on the internet. And then there was the frenzy...
Benis: This type of law doesn't exist anywhere else in the country.
— KUOW Public Radio (@KUOW) March 29, 2018
All I'm saying is that a drummer in a rock band may not be the right fit for everyone. It might not fit the vibe of the community.
Benis: You're arguing for a one-size-fits-all solution. I'm just want flexibility.
— KUOW Public Radio (@KUOW) March 29, 2018
