Spokane City Council Members Introduce Tenant Protections

~ In response to the devastating impact of the Spokane Complex Fires, City Council Members Kitty Klitzke, Sarah Dixit, and Paul Dillon introduced an emergency ordinance during Tuesday's City Council Finance and Administration Committee meeting. The ordinance aims to protect qualifying, income-eligible tenants who have been financially affected by the disaster from eviction for nonpayment of rent.

Council Member Paul Dillon emphasized the importance of this ordinance in preventing further displacement and confusion caused by the fires. "It is critical that renters have further protections during this time of crisis," he stated.

While the ordinance specifically addresses the current situation with the Spokane Complex Fires, it also establishes a permanent program for future emergencies and natural disasters that may threaten community safety and cause displacement.

According to Council Member Kitty Klitzke, many of those affected by the fires are seniors on fixed incomes or families living paycheck to paycheck. She explained that setbacks such as missing work due to evacuations can lead to a domino effect of financial challenges. "We must do what we can to help people stay stable and recover quickly," she said. "Keeping people housed is foundational to helping them recover."

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The emergency ordinance provides a temporary affirmative defense to eviction proceedings for tenants who are unable to pay rent due to financial hardships directly related to the Spokane Complex Fires. To qualify for this defense, tenants must self-certify that they lost at least 10% of their average monthly household income and that the civil emergency or natural disaster rendered their business or place of employment uninhabitable, resulted in their layoff or reduction of pay, or caused them a demonstrable loss of business clients from the impacted area.

Council Member Sarah Dixit stressed the need for such protections before future emergencies strike. "Climate disasters are happening more frequently," she said. "In the aftermath of the Spokane Complex Fires, it is vital that we establish protections before the next emergency threatens our community."

The ordinance also encourages collaboration between tenants and landlords on repayment plans. It should be noted that the Governor's eviction moratorium, which expired on August 25th, does not apply to this emergency ordinance. If passed, it would go into effect immediately.

The City Council is urging all parties involved to work together and prioritize the well-being of those affected by the Spokane Complex Fires. This emergency ordinance serves as a crucial step in providing support and stability for tenants during this time of crisis.

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