Seattle: The most restrictive landlord/rental laws in the country

[Kenneth T]

I've posted a few articles below which outline the new and most restrictive ("progressive") rental laws in the country, which limit the size of security deposits, non-refundable deposits, and requires giving tenants and option for a payment plan to pay move-in fees. In addition, they are also pushing a "first come first served" policy which requires that landlords grant occupancy to the first qualified applicant. Summary and links are below. I own a rental property in Seattle, so I am currently working out how to mitigate the risk created by the Seattle City Council's restrictive policies. Any comments, advice, and discussion would be great. 

• Security deposit plus move-in fees cannot exceed the amount of the first full month’s rent
• Non-refundable move-in fees are limited to only tenant screening reports, criminal background checks, credit reports, and cleaning fees.
• Total non-refundable move-in fees are limited to 10% of the first full month’s rent
• Payment Plans Required –Landlords must allow an installment plan to pay a security deposit, a pet deposit, move-in fees, and last month’s rent. The payment plan must be structured as follows, unless otherwise agreed to by the landlord and tenant. (For rental agreements of 6 months or longer—6 consecutive and equal payments)

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/...

http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/2017/01/17/...

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/...