Seattle Bans Rental Junk Fees

Seattle City Council approved an 8-0 ordinance banning rental “junk fees” such as administrative service charges, pet rent, and package fees. The law requires full upfront disclosure of rent, utilities, discounts, and all mandatory and optional fees for agreements entered after July 1, 2027. It expands investigative authority, allows the City Attorney to sue violators, and permits recovery of up to three times the illegal fee amount. The measure aims to increase transparency and affordability amid rising rents that rose 32% from 2012 to 2022.