Daily Action for Tuesday, June 14th, 2022
Mayor Bruce Harrell has vetoed a bill from the Seattle City Council that would have required Seattle landlords to report the rent that they charge. This legislation would not have enabled the public to see what specific landlords were charging, but instead would have provided access to general information that would have helped renters make informed decisions. Home buyers have instant access to listing and sale prices through data collected by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (MLS). There is no reason renters shouldn’t have access to information to inform their housing choices as well.
Historically, the city and public had access to accurate and frequently updated rent data through reports from Dupre+Scott. But since the private company shut down in 2017, the city has been relying on high level census information, which is much less detailed.
Today’s daily action is to contact your city council representatives (the councilmember for your district and the two citywide councilmembers) and urge them to override the veto and to support renters.
ACTION: Tell City Council to Override Harrell’s Veto of Rent Transparency Bill
Councilmembers that supported the bill
District 1 – Lisa Herbold [email protected] ( 206) 684-8801
District 2 – Tammy J. Morales [email protected] (206) 684-8802
District 3 – Kshama Sawant [email protected] (206) 684-8803
District 4 – Alex Pedersen [email protected] (206) 684-8804
District 7 – Andrew J. Lewis [email protected] (206) 684-8807
Script
Hello, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent in District [NUMBER]. I wanted to thank you for your support of CB 120325. I know that Mayor Harrell has vetoed the bill and I want to urge you to continue to work with other council members to fight for rent transparency in Seattle. Renters deserve protection.
Councilmembers that opposed:
District 5 – Debora Juarez [email protected] (206) 684-8805
District 6 – Dan Strauss [email protected] (206) 684-8806
Position 8 (citywide) – Teresa Mosqueda [email protected] (206) 684-8808
Position 9 (citywide) – Sara Nelson [email protected] (206) 684-8809
Script
Hello, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent in District [NUMBER]. I am gravely disappointed that you voted against CB 120325. This bill would have provided the transparency and information renters desperately need to make housing decisions in the city. With rents rising across the board and so many predatory landlords, it’s unfathomable that you would not do even the minimum to protect renters’ rights.
Mayor Harrell’s vetoing of the bill has provided you with a rare second chance and I want to urge you to work with other council members to fight for rent transparency in Seattle. Renters deserve protection. PASS THIS BILL!!!
Background
Seattle Times: Harrell vetoes plan to require Seattle landlords to report the rent they charge
Publicola: Harrell Vetoes Bill That Would Have Provided Data, Transparency on Seattle Rents
