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Seattle (December 16, 2020) – Mayor Jenny A. Durkan signed a new Executive Order extending COVID-19 relief measures for residents and maintaining moratoriums on evictions from homes, nonprofits, and small businesses in the City of Seattle until March 31, 2021. The City Council (City Hall) unanimously approved the extension proposed by the mayor on Monday, temporarily suspending late fees on utility bills. The Self-Certification Pilot Program of the Seattle Public Utilities Utility Discount Program runs through June 30, 2021, which may reduce Seattle City Light bills by 60% and Seattle Public Utility by 50%.
“Our region is still in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. New cases and hospitalizations are as high as ever, and residents and businesses continue to feel the profound economic impact of this crisis, ”stated Mayor Durkan. “We implemented one of the nation’s first moratoriums on evictions early in the pandemic to help keep people in their homes and businesses running. These efforts, combined with our work in recent months to provide tens of millions in immediate financial assistance to residents, workers, and small businesses, are essential to helping our communities through this immensely difficult year. The city of Seattle cannot do it on its own, we need Congress to act to provide urgent help to our workers, residents, small businesses and cities. “
While Seattle’s home eviction moratorium is in effect, property owners may not issue rescission notices or otherwise initiate an eviction lawsuit in court, unless there is an imminent threat to the health and safety of the home. community. In addition to preventing evictions, the decree also prevents tenants from incurring late fees, interest or other charges due to late rent payments during the moratorium. However, tenants remain legally obligated to pay rent during the moratorium and landlords are encouraged to offer flexible payment plans. Residential tenants who receive an eviction notice during the moratorium should call the Renting in Seattle hotline at 206-684-5700 or go online to file a complaint. The city of Seattle has destined $ 18 million to help with rents, in addition to State and King County resources for landlords and tenants. The City of Seattle is closely monitoring any action taken at the state and federal level regarding the moratoriums.
The moratorium on evictions for commercial tenants of small businesses and nonprofits applies to independent businesses with 50 or fewer employees per establishment, state nonprofits and 501 (c) (3) organizations non profit. In addition to preventing evictions, the decree also prevents eligible small businesses and nonprofits from incurring late fees, interest, or other fees due to late payments during the moratorium. If you have more questions, see the section COVID-19 Lease Amendment Tool Kit of the Office of Economic Development.
The executive order also extends the suspensions established to help limit the spread of COVID-19 along with programs designed to limit the economic impact of the pandemic on Seattle residents and small businesses. These extensions include the closure of all customer service positions that serve the public in the city of Seattle and the suspension of enforcement of the 72-hour parking rule and city-permitted events. Temporary loading areas for restaurants and small businesses and temporary parking for hospital and human services personnel have also been expanded.
The city still has a comprehensive resource page for small businesses and residents affected by COVID-19. This page will be updated as more information becomes available.
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