KGMI News
SEATTLE (AP) – The Seattle City Council passed new legislation that some say is the most progressive tenant protection in the country.
Landlords can no longer check a potential tenant’s criminal history.
Proponents said it’s a second chance for people who paid their debt to society.
Susan Mason spent time in a federal prison 14-years-ago. “What we’re talking about is discrimination, period,” Mason said. “Just this idea that I have to plead to a private citizen, even though I did my time.”
KIRO-7 reports landlords fear the new ordinance ties their hands and creates safety concerns for their residents.
Landlords are already suing Seattle over another law, which requires them to accept new tenants on a first-come, first-served basis.
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