REALTOR® Call to Action a Success!

The Spokane City Council has deferred a controversial vote that would have been a blow to Spokane’s Rental industry. The proposal would have granted anyone claiming homelessness “protected status in housing and employment.” While the move appears humanitarian in nature on its face, the impacts on the rental housing industry could be devastating.

Landlord organizations such as the Rental Housing Association of Washington testified these added protections would make it more difficult to evict tenants, especially for violent or inappropriate behavior. The landlords also raised concerns over the ability to screen candidates based on past housing records or criminal status.

Legal experts tell Spokane REALTORS® this Housing Status Ordinance will do nothing for the homeless, as it offers no guarantees they will be selected. Additionally, the ordinance does not offer a clear guideline as to who qualifies for this protected status, opening the door for misuse, even abuse.

Spokane REALTORS® recently launched a Call to Action where nearly 200 members wrote or called their council members with concerns. The result was the Spokane Council postponed action and sent this rule back to committee for review.

We will continue to monitor this proposed ordinance for future developments.