Eviction Bridge Proclamation

Governor Inslee issues housing stability “bridge” emergency order, Proclamation 21-09 on June 29, 2021. The proclamation is intended to bridge the operational gap between the eviction moratorium (which expires at 11:59 p.m. on June 30) and the protections and programs enacted by the Legislature. The bridge will reduce uncertainty as the state implements post-COVID long-term housing recovery strategies contained in legislative enactments such as SB5160.

Proclamation 21-09 requires, among other things, that:

• Landlords and tenants avail themselves of rental assistance and eviction resolution pilot programs pursuant to SB 5160 to resolve any COVID-related past due rent (February 29, 2020 through July 31, 2021)
• Tenants take steps to pay rent or avail themselves of rental assistance in order to pay future rent (beginning August 1, 2021 throughout the effective dates of the proclamation (order)
• For any tenant who is or becomes in arrears, landlords offer a reasonable repayment plan to tenants per SB 5160
• Tenants respond to notice of funding and other available programs within the timeframes established by SB 5160

An eviction for non-payment of past due rent is not permitted until such time as the resources and programs established by the Legislature are in place and operations, and eviction for non-payment to future rent (August 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021) is not permitted if the tenant has demonstrably taken action to pay rent. Evictions for other reasons under state law are permitted.

Proclamation 21-09 and SB 5160 is available in “Supporting Documents” and on the City’s COVID-19 webpage.