Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Olympia council adopts tenant‑screening ordinance aimed at widening application access
Summary
The council adopted an ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code 5.82 to limit certain tenant screening practices, including alternatives to requiring Social Security numbers and a rent‑to‑income standard; the measure passed 5–2 after extended debate.
The Olympia City Council voted Tuesday to adopt an ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code 5.82, a change the city says is intended to reduce barriers in tenant application processes.
Council members debated two central elements cited in the packet: limiting the ability of landlords to require Social Security numbers as a condition of applying, and establishing guidance around a rent‑to‑income formula (discussed in the hearing as a 2.5‑times the rent standard). Council member Barron opposed the ordinance, arguing it "doesn't do anything to make housing more affordable or accessible" for the city’s most challenged renters and that compliance costs could burden small landlords. Barron said enforcement paths (including tenant lawsuits in superior court) make the remedy impractical for many tenants.
Opposing views were offered by several council members. Council member Madrone said tenants report being screened out of consideration by escalating landlord thresholds and supported the ordinance as increasing the opportunity to be considered for housing. Council member Gilman described the measures as "common sense" protections that prevent people from being unable to get in the door.
The council adopted the ordinance in a recorded voice vote the mayor summarized as 5 in favor and 2 opposed. The motion brought the code change forward for adoption; details of enforcement, alternatives for proof of identity (birth certificate, driver's license, ITIN, certificate of naturalization and similar documents), and monitoring via the city's rental registry were discussed as next steps.
Mayor Payne and supporters said the ordinance aligns with Olympia’s stated sanctuary policies and the city's efforts to expand access to housing; opponents raised concerns about unintended consequences for small property owners. Council members directed staff to monitor outcomes and rental‑registry data to gauge impacts.
The text adopted amends OMC 5.82; the enacted ordinance number was not specified during the meeting. Councilmembers indicated they will revisit impacts as data from the city's rental registry becomes available.
