What is considered alternative sources of income? They may include a pension, unemployment benefits, Social Security, child support payments, or any governmental or non-profit subsidy.
In an attempt to address concerns of housing affordability, the Seattle City Council approved an ordinance that seeks to ensure access to rental housing for tenants while imposing new rules on landlords. The new ordinance is set to go into effect on September 7, 2016.
In general, the ordinance includes the following changes in Seattle’s housing laws:
- Provides that is unlawful to discriminate against a person seeking to lease or rent who relies on a verifiable “alternative source of income,” such as Social Security benefits, supplemental security income, unemployment benefits, other retirement programs, child support, the Aged, Blind or Disabled Cash Assistance Program, Refugee Cash Assistance, and any federal, state, local government, private, or nonprofit-administered benefit program.
- Requires landlords to accept pledges from community-based organizations for past due or current housing costs if the money is to be paid within five days.
