Notice of Intent to Sell

What Is It?

The Notice of Intent to Sell ordinance reauthorized by Council in 2019, provides the City with information about the intention to sell residential rental property (2 units or larger) with at least one unit rented at 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) or below. The ordinance does not apply to single family homes.

The City, in partnership with the Seattle Housing Authority and community partners, can use the notification information to evaluate properties for acquisition. The City will notify affordable housing providers of the intention to sell by the owner to allow for providers to submit a letter of interest and make an offer on the property. The intention of the ordinance is to provide an opportunity to preserve naturally reoccurring affordable housing as a method to prevent displacement. The notice may help residents seek tenant protections and relocation resources if necessary.

For questions regarding the ordinance, please contact Jessica Gomez at jessica.gomez@seattle.gov.  

To determine whether a unit rent is affordable to a household earning 80% of AMI, please visit the link to the Income and Rent Limits page. Please be sure to account for any utilities the tenant is responsible for.