Seattle renters are being squeezed by hidden charges, paying hundreds of dollars each month on top of rising rents. These “junk fees” make housing costs unpredictable, push families into debt, and reward price gouging by landlords. The Stay Housed Stay Healthy Coalition demands transparency, stability, affordability, and fairness for tenants: ban junk fees that undermine a household’s ability to stay housed. Read more about junk fees: Guardian Junk Fees Article.

Why this matters

• Transparency: Tenants must see the full cost up front so they can make informed choices.

• Stability: Surprise fees can trigger late payments, evictions, and housing instability.

• Affordability: Hidden charges disproportionately harm low‑income renters, seniors, and those on fixed budgets.

• Fairness: Honest landlords who price clearly should not be undercut by those who hide costs.

Our ask: Stand with renters by supporting the junk fees ban sponsored by Councilmember Foster exactly as introduced and oppose any amendments that would weaken renter protections. Strong, enforceable rules will stop exploitative pricing, reduce eviction risk, protect tenants from retaliation, and ensure that renters can advocate for their rights.

Join us to hold councilmembers accountable until Seattle passes a clear ban that protects renters from junk fees and make housing costs honest and affordable for every Seattle household. Learn more about the Stay Housed Stay Healthy Coalition: Stay Housed, Stay Healthy.