Seattle City Council passed new legislation that will eliminate “rental junk fees” — costs like administrative service fees, pet rent and package fees that are separate from monthly lease prices. The legislation, passed in an 8-0 vote, is another win for Mayor Katie Wilson’s ongoing affordability agenda.

“I’m happy to celebrate the elimination of junk fees, creating greater transparency and fairness in the market,” Wilson said in a press release. “This is a major step forward in making Seattle an affordable city for working families and their pets. I am grateful to Councilmember [Dionne] Foster and her team for her partnership on this important step forward for renters.”

Wilson also called out City Attorney Erika Evans, local labor unions including SEIU 6, UAW 4121, Teamsters 117 and UFCW 3000, and the Stay Housed, Stay Healthy coalition for their assistance in advancing the legislation.

“This important legislation advances consumer protections for renters in our city by making Seattle’s rental market more transparent and affordable,” added Foster, who serves as the chair of the Council’s housing, arts and civil rights committee. “We know that transparency creates a better housing market. This legislation gives renters the ability to compare rental options based on their actual cost, not an artificially low advertised price followed by a list of surprise charges.”

Landlords who are found to violate the junk fee ban will be subject to legal action, wherein the City’s Attorney Office will attempt to recover three times the amount of the illegal fees.