SPOKANE, Wash. — Renters impacted by the Spokane fires now have legal protection against eviction, if they can prove that the disaster caused them financial hardship.
The Spokane City Council approved the Emergency Tenant Protection Ordinance in a 5-2 vote Wednesday night.
The ordinance establishes specific criteria renters must meet to qualify for protection. They must prove they lost more than 10% of their monthly income because of the fires, or that the fires resulted in a layoff or reduction in pay. Qualifying renters will receive a 12- month grace period to repay missed payments…