Seattle Council Bans Winter Evictions

By a 7-0 vote, Seattle city council has approved a motion to ban residential evictions during the three coldest winter months. It remains to be seen whether the mayor, who is opposed to the motion, will use her veto or allow it to pass into law.

Before voting 7-0, the council trimmed the period covered by the legislation from five months to three months; limited the rule to low- and moderate-income tenants; and exempted landlords with four or fewer housing units. The legislation was meant to prevent most residential evictions during the coldest months.