City of Olympia, WA

07/18/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/18/2025 11:46

07/18/2025 - City Launches Survey on Tenant Screening

City Launches Survey on Tenant Screening

The City of Olympia has launched a survey to learn more about challenges and barriers in the application and screening process for renters seeking to access housing. The survey also asks about the concerns and risks landlords are hoping to address.

Common screening criteria include an applicant's criminal, credit and rental history, as well as income or employment information and documents that verify a person's identity (such as a Social Security number). These screening practices can create barriers to housing for immigrants and refugees, people who have been subjected to domestic violence, people of color, people with disabilities, formerly incarcerated people, and others. 

The City is seeking the community's help to better understand issues related to the screening process and potential policy impacts on both landlords and tenants. We value input from both tenants and landlords as we explore where common goals and solutions are possible. 

The survey comes in two options. One survey option is for renters and housing advocates/case managers, and the second survey option is for landlords/property managers. The survey will close on August 8, 2025. To participate, visit engage.olympiawa.gov/tenant-screening.

Results from community feedback will be shared with the Olympia City Council at a study session on September 16, 2025.

To learn more about tenant protection policies in Olympia, visit the City's Tenant Protections and Landlord Information webpages.
Contact
Christa Lenssen, Senior Housing Program Specialist
Community Planning & Economic Development
360.570.3762
clenssen@ci.olympia.wa.us
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