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Tenants tell Seattle committee junk fees force evictions, bring real‑world harms
Summary
Multiple renters and advocates testified that hidden rental fees create eviction risk and financial strain; one family member said her son died by suicide after eviction and others reported paying hundreds monthly in 'junk' fees. Advocates urged passage of CB 121254 with strong enforcement and limited weakening amendments.
A string of tenant advocates and renters told the Housing, Arts and Civil Rights Committee on Aug. 3 that hidden rental fees cause housing instability, threaten voucher recipients and put older and low‑income renters at risk. Heidi D'Andrade testified about her son, saying, "He is not here today because he committed suicide in January due to being evicted," and urged the council to pass the ordinance.
Other commenters offered examples and personal totals: Owen Knight said he pays about $100 a month in junk fees—"That's about $1,200 a year"—and Casey Burton said his landlord charges $95 a month pet rent per pet. Tenant advocates including Lam Ho (Stay House Stay Healthy Coalition), Kat Munson (Sound Generations) and Lydia Rubinstein (Tenants Union of Washington) described widespread use of surprise fees, third‑party billing practices that can vary month‑to‑month, and specific incidents that pushed renters toward notices or eviction.
Speakers urged the committee to adopt amendments that close bundling loopholes, clarify disclosures and provide enforcement pathways so tenants can be made whole quickly. Several witnesses highlighted the disproportionate impact on voucher holders, older adults and renters of color. Committee leaders referenced race and social justice data in support of the bill and said enforcement funding will be addressed in upcoming budget legislation.
