[WSBARP] Eviction Moratorium - Possible Solutions

[Aliza Allen]

A practical solution for this conundrum:

While the eviction moratorium is pending, waive real property taxes for landlords with tenants who do not pay (capped at the actual rent lost).  Much like the multifamily tax exemption, it supports landlords who are serving lower income tenants.  The exemption could be prorated - so if two units in a 100 unit building stops paying, the exemption would be 2% of the total tax bill.  Landlords of a single family house who are more dependent on rental income would get a 100% exemption, up to the rental amount lost. Couple that with the prohibition on shutting off utilities for those affected (and waiver of the utility bills so the landlord does not get stuck with that bill).  Landlord could assign their collection rights to the state to pursue collection action against the tenant, if the legislature decides to adopt that as public policy.

The best part of this entire exchange has been hearing varied voices on this issue, including our esteemed colleagues who practice east side of the mountains and/or in the rural communities.  This is a complex issue.  No solution is going to be perfect or fit every situation.  But I'm confident we can find a middle ground somewhere in between.

Aliza Allen

**Please note that my office is moving.  Effective January 1, 2021, my new address will be 1191 Second Avenue, Suite 1800, Seattle, WA  98101-2996.  I look forward to serving you from my new location!**
Aliza C Allen, J.D.
Real Estate Law|General Counsel Services

Allen Law PLLC
1325 Fourth Avenue, Suite 940
Seattle, Wa 98101
P:  206-315-6192  Fax: 206-515-2084
E:  aliza at allenlawpllc.com<mailto:aliza at allenlawpllc.com>
www.allenlawpllc.com<http://www.allenlawpllc.com/>


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