What You Need to Know About Shoreline's Amended Tenant Laws

On December 11, 2023 the Shoreline City council approved Ordinance No. 966 adding to and amending their current residential tenant laws.  Residents have the right to sue their landlord for violation of this code.

These specific requirements would only apply to properties within the Shoreline City limits.  To see if a property falls within the city limits please check here: Shoreline City Limits Map

The full text of the Shoreline City specific requirements and regulation can be read here: Shoreline Municipal Code 9.35 Residential Tenant Protections

An overview of the updates and affects can be found below:

Change in Rent Increase Notice Requirements

• o   Increases greater than 3% and less than 10% - 120 days notice.
• o   Increases 10% or greater – 180 days notice.
• o   Increases less than 3% follow the current state requirement of 60 days notice.

Move in Fees and Deposits

All move-in fees and deposits cannot exceed one month’s rent.  A move in fee includes any deposits, pet deposits, application fee, etc. To accommodate this requirement we will move to a pet rent for new listings and the security deposit will be lowered slightly to accommodate the application fee.

Residents may choose to pay the move in fees over 6 equal monthly installments.

Fees and Due Dates

• Late Fees cannot exceed 1.5% of one month's rent.
• Residents cannot be charged for issuance of notices. These would include compliance notices or pay or vacate notices.

Impact and Implications of Ordinance 966

These new regulations signify a notable shift in the landlord-tenant dynamic within Shoreline. City officials emphasized that Ordinance No. 966 aims to create a more equitable and predictable environment for renters, particularly in the face of rising housing costs. 

The broader implications of Ordinance No. 966 extend beyond individual tenant protections, potentially influencing the overall rental market in Shoreline. Landlords will need to adapt their operations to comply with the new requirements, which could mean changes to rent pricing strategies and fee structures. The long-term effects on property values and the availability of rental units remain to be seen. However, the ordinance's emphasis on transparency and fairness could contribute to a more stable and predictable rental landscape, potentially attracting and retaining residents.