OLYMPIA – Prospective renters would save money during the rental application process and landlords would gain additional time to return rental deposits, under legislation sponsored by Sen. Mark Mullet, D-Issaquah.
“This bill brings two groups together that are historically at odds with each other,” said Mullet. “Throughout my legislative career, I have tried hard to bring groups together to find a compromise to the problems they are facing. This bill is the result of a good faith effort from both sides of the landlord-tenant relationship.”
The bill is unique in that it addresses concerns raised by both tenants and landlords.
For landlords, the bill would provide additional time after the tenant moves out to assess any damages to the rental unit and to calculate how much of the deposit should be returned to the former tenant. For renters, the bill requires landlords to publicly post whether or not they accept a reusable tenant screening report. If they do allow reusable screening reports, they would not be able to charge for additional background checks.
It would also prevent screening reports from listing an eviction on a tenant’s credit report if the eviction has been overturned or resolved.
“The costs associated with shopping for a new place to live are beginning to get out of hand and can sometimes break the bank for families looking for a new home,” said Mullet. “I’m confident that this bill will provide some financial relief for apartment hunters as well as eliminate hurdles for people who have been evicted in the past.”
