Spokane City Council Approves Emergency Tenant Protections

Spokane City Council Approves Emergency Tenant Protections

Lisa Gardner, City Council Communications Director, [email protected]

Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 10:15 a.m.

During Monday's City Council Legislative Session, Council passed an emergency tenant protection ordinance 5-2. The ordinance responded to the devastating impact of the Spokane Complex Fires and was sponsored by Council Members Kitty Klitzke, Sarah Dixit, and Paul Dillon to protect qualifying, income-eligible tenants financially affected by the disaster from eviction for nonpayment of rent.

"While we are all working hard to get as much assistance as possible to wildfire victims, these processes take time, "said Council Member Kitty Klitzke. "This ordinance helps give folks time to get the resources they need to avoid catastrophic consequences like eviction."

While the ordinance provides relief in response to the Spokane Complex Fires, it would also establish a permanent program for future natural disasters and public health emergencies that threaten community safety and cause displacement.

The ordinance provides a temporary affirmative defense in eviction proceedings for tenants unable to pay rent due to financial hardships directly related to the Spokane Complex Fires.

"In the wake of emergencies, it is our responsibility to ensure all residents have the opportunity to recover, especially our most vulnerable," said Council Member Sarah Dixit. "I'm thankful to the advocates for raising this issue so tenants experiencing disasters in the future can be protected without the looming threat of eviction."

"We have heard the stories of tenants displaced and trying to seek rental assistance while facing evictions," said Council Member Paul Dillon. "I am proud this ordinance will provide relief to impacted tenants while also creating protections for the future."

To qualify, a tenant would need to self-certify that they lost at least 10% of their average monthly household income and that the civil emergency or natural disaster rendered their business or place of employment uninhabitable, resulted in their layoff or a reduction in pay, or caused them a demonstrable loss of business clients from the geographic area impacted by the emergency.

Tenants and landlords are encouraged to collaborate on repayment plans. As an emergency ordinance, this legislation would take effect upon passage.

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