Seattle Enacts Citywide ‘Do Not Solicit’ List to Curb Aggressive Real Estate Offers

City officials noted that aggressive homebuying tactics have disproportionately affected senior citizens and communities of color, driving displacement, deepening economic gaps, and affecting generational wealth. 

Under the new Ordinance, real estate companies are restricted from contacting a homeowner 30 days after the individual registered for the Do Not Solicit list. A $1000 fine will be imposed against first-time violators, while repeat violators will pay a $2000 fine. Each violation will be counted as an individual offense. Homeowners may file an action against violators and are also free to seek damages for emotional distress; however, there is a two-year limit.

Chukundi Salisbury, the Executive Director of Black Legacy Homeowners, stated, “I’ve sat in many living rooms with many people experiencing these aggressive tactics. For some in Seattle this might be just an annoyance, but for those who are behind on a mortgage payment, or have lost their significant other, these people have been coming into our community to catch us at our lowest moment where we are most vulnerable and ready to give up. Now there will be recourse against those who prey on our communities and keep generational homeownership and wealth where it belongs, in our communities and in our families.”

The enrollment, complaints, citation appeals, and penalties collected will all be tracked with an annual report through 2029. Officials said details on how homeowners can sign up for the list will be released as the June 1, 2027, effective date approaches.