Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tenant Rights topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council passes right-to-cooling ordinance allowing tenants to request cooling and deduct up to $500
Summary
After months of collaboration with tenants, landlords and advocates, Council member Kate Telles said the council passed a right-to-cooling ordinance that lets tenants request cooling from landlords and, if not provided, deduct up to $500 to purchase qualifying cooling equipment.
Council member Kate Telles (District 2) said the council passed a new right-to-cooling ordinance following months of collaboration with tenants, landlords, affordable housing advocates and other stakeholders.
"This new law gives tenants the right to request cooling from their landlord," Telles said. She added that if adequate cooling is not provided, tenants may deduct up to $500 to purchase qualifying cooling equipment.
Telles described the ordinance as "a balanced approach that helps keep people safe from extreme heat while recognizing the realities of Spokane's existing housing stock." She said the measure reflects extended outreach and negotiation among stakeholders; she also said she was "incredibly proud to have co-sponsored this legislation." The transcript did not specify an effective date or enforcement mechanism for the deduction.
Council staff or other members were not quoted in the transcript; implementation details and any budgetary impacts were not specified at the time of Telles' remarks.
