On May 20, the Kenmore City Council approved Ordinance 19-0484, requiring landlords to give tenants a 90-day notice when their rent is being increased by more than 10 percent over the course of a year. The new ordinance will go into effect Sept. 1.

Although the new changes would impact most renting situations, the manufactured housing communities will continue to have different standards, per state law. These new rules also do not impact the eviction process or timelines, according to a press release.

Kenmore council has been discussing the issue for several weeks and in the April 22 meeting, directed staff to prepare the new ordinance. Council considered the new Washington State House Bill 1440, which calls for a 60-day notice, regardless of the amount of rent increase. It also considered and discussed other Washington cities that have already adopted 60-day rules including Seattle, Tacoma and Vancouver, the release states.

Council determined that 60 days may not be enough notice for families living in a tight housing market, who may need to find alternate housing close to work and in the same school district.