No More 1st Come 1st Served!

Good news for property owners. Seattle’s controversial law obligating a property owner to rent to the 1st potential tenant that met minimum requirements has been deemed unconstitutional. Property owners in Seattle are no longer required to rent to the first qualified tenants, and are free to chose a tenant that best meets the needs of the property.

We first blogged about this measure 2 years ago and highlighted it as “ a great example of a good idea (prevent discrimination) gone horribly wrong.” The city should not interfere with one of the most critical aspects of a property ownership. The selection process for a tenant goes far beyond simply meeting the minimum requirements. Property managers and property owners try to find tenants that will enjoy the property, the neighbors, the neighborhood, etc. This law is akin to telling an employer that they must hire the first person to meet posted requirements. The law removed the ability for a property owner and manager to find the right tenant; and forced them to select the first tenant.

In the ruling the judge stated ”while landlords are permitted to set their own rental criteria,” Parisien said, “this preliminary, general rental criteria does not substitute for the discretion to choose a specific tenant.”

We’re pleased to see this controversial law overturned, but the battle isn’t over yet. Lawyers are expecting an appeal from the city and the fight to protect landowner rights will continue. For more information, take a look at the details posted here, or contact us with any questions.