OLYMPIA – In recognition of his commitment to eliminate barriers to housing and to simplify the rental application process, Sen. Mark Mullet has been awarded the Washington Low-Income Housing Alliance’s Lawmaker of the Year award.
During the 2016 legislative session, Mullet sponsored Senate Bill 6413 which requires landlords to publicly post whether or not they accept a reusable tenant screening report. The use of reusable screening reports enables prospective renters from having to pay multiple times for additional background checks for different landlords.
“The costs associated with shopping for a new place to live keep rising and can break the bank for many families looking for a new home,” said Mullet. “I’m proud that we were able to pass this bill so that we can provide some financial relief for apartment hunters.”
SB 6413 also includes languages that eliminate hurdles for certain people who have been evicted in the past by preventing screening reports from listing an eviction on a tenant’s credit report if the eviction has been overturned or resolved.
“Historically, landlords and tenants are at odds with each other,” said Mullet. “This legislation is the result of a good faith effort from both sides of the landlord-tenant relationship and is an example of what can happen when we set aside our differences and work together.
“I am honored to receive this award and I look forward to continuing my work next session to further improve the lives of Washington’s renters.”
