Members of the Seattle Renters’ Commission have issued a statement endorsing Cancel Rent and Mortgages WA, part of a national movement calling for the cancelation of rent, mortgages, utilities and all related debt for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis.

Excerpts from letter:

“Failure to cancel rent and mortgages in Washington increases the burden and risk to our lowest income neighbors as they deal with the economic consequences of our nation’s utter failure to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Without action, people will be saddled with unsustainable levels of debt.”

“We need an eviction moratorium that covers not just the next several months but provides stability until we are able to control the pandemic. People whose income has been disrupted and eliminated during the pandemic will need time and assistance to be able to get back to a financial place where they can support themselves and their families. This cannot be a long-term solution. In order to prevent people from being saddled with pandemic debt, it is not enough to prevent them from being evicted today but we must forgive those debts.”

Read the full statement from the Seattle Renter’s Commission on our website under “Statements from the Commission.”

The Seattle Renters’ Commission (SRC) provides information, advice, and counsel to the Mayor, Seattle City Council, and departments concerning issues and policies affecting renters. Learn more at seattle.gov/neighborhoods/seattle-renters-commission. The SRC is staffed by Seattle Department of Neighborhoods.