Seattle Extends Eviction Moratorium to Commercial Real Estate
- Derek Hermsen
- Mar 18, 2020
- 2 min read
Order Applies to Businesses With 50 Employees Or Less, Nonprofit Groups
By Clare Kennedy
CoStar NewsMarch 18, 2020 | 02:19 P.M.
Just before the end of the business day on Tuesday, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan signed an order that temporarily blocks the eviction of small businesses and nonprofit groups within city limits, effective until the coronavirus pandemic passes.
As the ink dried, the number of confirmed cases in Washington state hit 1,000, the majority of the infections centered in the Seattle metropolitan area, which until recently was the country's most bullish economy. The order is a sequel to an earlier measure enacted over the weekend, which protects Seattle's residential tenants from being ousted from their homes during the crisis. By order of Gov. Jay Inslee, all nonessential businesses have closed, leaving thousands of workers without jobs as long as the illness rages.
Effective immediately, Durkan's latest order temporarily halts evictions of small business and nonprofit tenants in the city of Seattle. As long as it stands, landlords may not take any action on nonpayment of rent or lease expirations. The length of the moratorium will be be at least 60 days, but is ultimately subject to Durkan's discretion. The policy applies to independently owned businesses with 50 employees or less per establishment, state nonprofit groups and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The order further bars landlords from imposing late fees, interest or other charges on tenants. It also contravenes contract or statutory remedies that would allow the removal of a small business or nonprofit tenant from their premises, including termination of the lease or termination of the tenants' right to possession.
In the interim, landlords have been directed to work out a payment plan with tenants to assist in rent relief, through deferred payment of rent, rent discounts or other strategies.The city realized additional measures may be necessary after it rolled out a $1.5 million small business stabilization fund, which was intended to help about 150 establishments, according to Durkan's order. Within the first week 2,760 businesses applied. Seattle is among the hardest hit by coronavirus, which was first identified in mainland China in December. The first U.S. case of the new respiratory illness emerged in the Puget Sound region on Jan. 21, and since then, the number of infected in Washington state has increased at a rapid clip. As of Tuesday afternoon, the state had reported 1,012 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 52 deaths. Similar measures are cropping up in cities and states around the country as the coronavirus spreads. On Tuesday, the state of California authorized local governments to impose moratoriums on evictions for residential renters, homeowners and commercial tenants.
This is such a crucial measure for small businesses and nonprofits in Seattle. Protecting tenants from eviction and financial penalties during uncertain times can really help them stay afloat. Policies like these show how local governments can step in to support the backbone of the community—especially independently owned businesses and nonprofit organizations that often operate on tight budgets. Snagging Sharjah
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This is a really important step taken by Seattle’s leadership. Blocking evictions for small businesses and nonprofits during the pandemic shows a lot of foresight, especially since many organizations are struggling to survive. With confirmed cases crossing 1,000, the impact on the economy is huge, but measures like this help communities stay strong. It also reassures both tenants and business owners that the city is prioritizing stability during such uncertain times.Kingswood contrator bali
This is a thoughtful and much-needed initiative by Mayor Jenny Durkan. With COVID-19 creating financial chaos, especially for small businesses and nonprofits, eviction protection is a critical lifeline. Many organizations are just trying to survive, and this move provides them with some breathing room. It’s also commendable that the city is protecting both commercial and residential tenants. Hopefully, other cities will follow Seattle’s example in supporting vulnerable communities during this unprecedented crisis. property for sale in central london
Seattle has announced an extension of its eviction moratorium to include commercial real estate, offering continued relief to struggling businesses still recovering from the economic effects of the pandemic. The move is intended to prevent small businesses from being forced out of their spaces due to unpaid rent, allowing them more time to stabilize operations. City online huurwoning zoeken met Wonen31 emphasized the importance of supporting local enterprises as they remain vital to neighborhood economies and job creation. This extension builds on previous residential protections, signaling a broader effort to maintain economic resilience and avoid widespread commercial vacancies in the city.