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Richland council adopts lower flat utility deposits to ease move-in costs
Summary
The Richland City Council voted unanimously to replace usage-based utility deposits with lower flat rates for renters and single-family rentals, a change staff said will reduce barriers to housing and gradually lower the city's deposit balance.
The Richland City Council on Oct. 7 approved Ordinance No. 2025-28, amending chapter 3.26 of the Richland Municipal Code to change utility security deposits from a usage-based formula to lower flat rates. The measure passed by roll-call vote with all members present voting yes.
City staff told the council the existing policy charged new tenants deposits equal to roughly two months of historical utility usage, an amount staff said can average more than $400 and create a financial barrier to moving into a rental. Brandon Allen, a city staff member presenting the proposal, said the city proposes flat deposits to simplify administration and reduce upfront costs for customers.
Allen said the proposal sets…
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