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Spokane City Council Eviction Ordinance: Implications and Long-Term Effects

On February 2, 2026, the Spokane City Council reached a decision with a 5-2 vote to implement a new ordinance targeting eviction processes. This new rule mandates that property owners “participate in good faith” with city-designated eviction prevention and diversion programs. It stipulates that landlords must make genuine efforts to assist tenants for a minimum of 30 days prior to initiating any eviction proceedings due to nonpayment of rent. This measure effectively adds another month to an already lengthy six-month eviction process.

Consequences for Tenants and Property Owners

This policy poses significant challenges for both tenants and property owners. By introducing additional costs related to compliance and prolonged eviction timelines, it could ultimately lead to increased rent rates, affecting everyone in the rental market. Property owners are now required to include information about these eviction prevention programs in various types of documentation, such as leases, notices of rent increases, and pay-or-vacate notifications. The city plans to maintain a directory of nonprofit organizations that offer mediation, rental assistance referrals, legal advice, and dispute resolution, supported by a substantial budget of $2.9 million from state allocations slated to last until June 2027.

This new ordinance appears to complicate an already lengthy eviction process, with Spokane evictions for nonpayment typically taking about six months from the initial missed payment until the execution of a writ of restitution.

Proponents’ Perspective

Advocates of this legislation argue that the intention behind the ordinance is to combat homelessness and maintain housing stability for families. Councilman Paul Dillon was quoted in the Spokesman Review, suggesting that this ordinance could serve as a template for other municipalities grappling with “extreme housing insecurity.” Tenant advocates have pointed out numerous instances where vulnerable renters have faced eviction due to delays in assistance, emphasizing the urgent need for such programs.

Concerns About Government Overreach

However, many view this policy as an example of government overreach. Critics argue that it places tenant delays above the rights of property owners and overlooks market realities. It primarily serves to prolong the ordeal for nonpaying tenants—often those who either choose not to pay or who are persistently unable to fulfill their rent obligations. It fails to address fundamental issues, such as regulatory barriers that hinder the creation of new housing supply, which is a significant driver of rising rental prices.

By imposing a mandatory 30-day diversion period in addition to existing notice requirements, court backlogs, and extensive legal processes, this ordinance only serves to stretch timelines even further. Unfortunately, this doesn’t ensure any resolution or guarantee that payment will be received. For property owners, the situation is precarious; long durations of nonpayment force them to shoulder the costs of mortgages, taxes, and maintenance. These expenses are often passed on to responsible tenants through higher rents, ultimately impacting the entire rental market. One property owner has highlighted that as the duration of nonpayment extends, the burden on the broader pool of rental properties becomes increasingly pronounced.

Existing Resources for Tenants

It’s essential to note that the eviction prevention programs, mediation services, rental assistance applications, and counseling are already accessible to those who seek them voluntarily. Tenants experiencing hardship have the option to connect with nonprofits, apply for state or local aid, or engage in mediation through organizations like the Northwest Mediation Center even before an eviction notice is served. This new ordinance creates a misleading impression of mandatory salvation at the 11th hour, raising expectations that the system may not ultimately be equipped to fulfill. As previous funding cycles have been drained rapidly and current allocations may dwindle due to surging demand, many tenants may find themselves disappointed after participating, realizing that the assistance they sought is no longer available.

Exceptions do exist for severe violations, such as property damage or illegal drug activity. However, nonpayment—being the most frequently cited reason for eviction—will now face even more bureaucratic obstacles.

Research and Market Implications

Research conducted by the Washington Policy Center consistently demonstrates that policies imposing restrictions on evictions or new mandates for rental housing can lead to a decreased supply of available units. Property owners may exit the rental market entirely or convert units into owner-occupied residences or short-term rentals. Rigorous tenant screenings might also be employed, making it increasingly challenging for low-income renters to secure housing. Eviction filings in Spokane dropped during moratorium periods, only to rebound sharply afterwards—from around 480 annually in 2020-2021 to nearly 2,200 by 2024, highlighting the pent-up demand and the limitations of such intervention measures.

A Call for Focus on Housing Supply

Rather than layering additional bureaucratic hurdles, Spokane’s efforts should focus on enhancing housing production through streamlined permitting processes, reduced fees, and fewer land-use restrictions. Genuine prevention of eviction stems from a robust and affordable housing supply, rather than compelling property owners to indefinitely subsidize nonpayment.

Conclusion: The Need for Predictability

Both property owners and tenants deserve a landscape characterized by predictable rules that honor contracts and promote a sense of responsibility on both sides. In situations where legal complexities arise, the AI legalese decoder can assist in navigating the language of legal documents, clarifying rights and responsibilities for both parties. This tool helps users comprehend various aspects of rental agreements, eviction notices, and legislative changes, enabling all stakeholders to make informed decisions in a challenging housing climate.

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