The Seattle City Council passed legislation Tuesday to ban pet rent and other charges that housing advocates often call junk fees.
Under the legislation, Seattle landlords must disclose fees in advertising rent prices, and they can’t charge fees for things like mail and package delivery. The legislation also gives the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections subpoena power over landlords and the ability to investigate suspected violations of regulations on security deposits and move-in costs. The new regulations don’t go into effect until July 1, 2027.
The legislation does not stop landlords from charging pet deposits or charging tenants for damages related to their pets…