Governor Jay Inslee Extends Washington Eviction Moratorium Through End Of The Year
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BY JOHN O’BRIEN / KUOW & AP STAFF
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has extended the state’s eviction moratorium through the end of the year.
He said in a news conference Wednesday that he’s concerned about housing insecurity during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“We certainly don’t need more housing insecurity in the moment of uncertainty during this pandemic.,” Inslee said.
The moratorium, in place since March and extended a few times, was scheduled to expire next week. With some exceptions, it prohibits residential evictions and late fees on unpaid rent. It also requires landlords offer residents a repayment plan on unpaid rent.
The state’s unemployment rate for August was 8.5%, down from a record 16.3% in April after businesses closed or reduced operations under the initial stay-home orders that expired in May.
Inslee also announced a new $15 million federal grant that will be used to help businesses. It will be administered through the state Department of Commerce through its “New Safe Start” project.
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