Council regulates rental housing fees, prohibiting landlords from charging any fee not explicitly listed as “approved,” including pet fees

The so-called “Junk Fee Ban” was a top campaign priority for Mayor Wilson. A small housing provider describes the sweeping legislation as "landmines and booby traps" to an already heavily regulated environment.

The negative impacts of this bill could be worse than the problem it’s trying to fix. The legislation requires landlords to disclose monthly rent, tenant-paid utilities, all mandatory and optional fees, and a total monthly cost in ads, listings, applications, and on a two-page form before signing.

However, housing providers will absorb additional record-keeping burdens; higher penalties; and exposure to expensive private lawsuits and other legal liabilities. This is especially burdensome for small landlords, who own the vast majority of Seattle's single-family homes that are affordable to families and students.