(a) Applicability. This section shall be applicable only to tenancies for which just- cause is required to terminate the tenancy under section 9.68.040 (Just-cause evictions required), except it shall not apply to a tenancy when relocation assistance payment is available to the renter through section 9.68.060 (Relocation assistance for evictions without at-fault just cause in structures or lots containing 10 or more residential rental units) and the assistance available through section 9.68.060 is greater in value than the assistance available through this section.
(b) Relocation assistance for renters.
(1) Form of assistance. If a landlord issues a termination notice based on a no-fault just cause described in section 9.68.020(f)(2), the landlord shall, regardless of the renter’s income, at the landlord’s option, do one of the following:
(A) Assist the renter to relocate by providing a direct payment to the tenant as described in section 9.68.050(b)(3).
(B) Waive in writing the payment of rent for the final month of the tenancy, prior to the rent becoming due.
(2) Notice required. If a landlord issues a notice to terminate a tenancy for no-fault just cause, the landlord shall notify the renter of the renter’s right to relocation assistance or rent waiver pursuant to this chapter. If the landlord elects to waive the rent for the final month of the tenancy as provided in section 9.68.050(b)(1), the notice shall state the amount of rent waived and that no rent is due for the final month of the tenancy.
(3) Amount.
(A) The amount of relocation assistance or rent waiver shall be equal to one month of the renter’s rent that was in effect when the landlord issued the notice to terminate the tenancy. Any relocation assistance shall be provided within 15 calendar days of service of the notice.
(B) If a renter fails to vacate after the expiration of the notice to terminate the tenancy, the actual amount of any relocation assistance or rent waiver provided pursuant to this section shall be recoverable as damages in an action to recover possession.
(C) The relocation assistance or rent waiver required by this section shall be credited against any other relocation assistance required by any other law.
(4) Effect of noncompliance. A landlord’s failure to strictly comply with this subdivision shall render the notice of termination void.
(Ord. 5589 § 2 (part), 2023)