Earlier today, in spite of several conversations with his staff and over 500 emails sent by housing providers from across the state, Governor Jay Inslee extended the eviction ban with no provision to allow for action of people who aren’t paying but have income. We continue to gather data on how many Elective Non-Payers (ENPs) there are and how much rent is still owed due to the COVID-19 epidemic and the eviction bans imposed at the state and local level.

While the ban does allow eviction in cases when a person wants to move into their own property or to sell a unit, the new moratorium is silent on any requirements to substantiate impact from COVID-19 — in fact the new document seems to increase the danger of even talking with a resident who is not paying. This language was probably written by the Attorney General who has been aggressive about “threats” to raise rent or evict. What is a threat? Who wants to get sued by Bob Ferguson find out?

We will continue to learn as much as we can about the ENP problem and push to resist efforts to “forgive” unpaid rent, something that is sure to become the next issue we face. You can read the full document extending the ban below.