At its April 13 meeting, the Kenmore City Council ratified the city manager’s proclamation and issuance of an emergency rule establishing a temporary moratorium on commercial and nonprofit tenant evictions, including the accumulation of late fees.

According to a press release, the purpose of this moratorium is to protect public health, safety and welfare by providing small businesses stable locations to operate from during and immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic. The rule also encourages landlords to work with tenants on lease terms that could include fee deferments or other temporary measures.

By establishing this moratorium, small businesses (less than 50 employees) and nonprofits in Kenmore will receive stabilization support during the economic downturn caused by this public health emergency, the release states.

“Kenmore’s business community, like those in other cities, is dealing with sudden disruption of their operations,” Mayor David Baker said in the release. “This temporary action can help small business owners maintain some stability while emergency measures are in effect.”

The temporary moratorium is in effect until May 4, with the discretion to extend for additional periods of time based on public health necessity.

Learn more about the city of Kenmore’s response to COVID-19 at kenmorewa.gov.