Seattle City Council took a big step toward strengthening protections for renters in the City's fast growing economy.
On Wednesday, a Council committee unanimously approved a measure to delay rent increases if landlords fail to meet minimum housing codes. The measure still needs full council approval.
The proposal was nicknamed the "Carl Haglund Law" by councilmember Kshama Sawant after a South Seattle landlord.
Sahro Farah, a single mother with five children, first raised issues about renter's rights last year. Farah said Haglund attempted to double her rent even though she had no running water, heat, and a bug infested apartment. She called today "a big day.”
Farah’s since found a new apartment with water and heat that the Somali refugee now says allows her to pursue "the American Dream. I have it now."
Haglund told KING 5 on Wednesday that the measure was nothing more than "political grandstanding," and does nothing to help correct housing codes or build affordable housing.
