Below is the transcript of Ashley Albert's testimony to the Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 in support of SB 5123 the Fair Tenant Screening Act.
At the end of December, I had to move out of my home because the landlords were going to sell it, and now I'm having to stay with whoever will let me use a couch; right now I'm staying in Federal Way. I'm looking for a new place to live, but after being denied once, I'm afraid to apply again and use up the money I've saved for a deposit, like has happened to me in the past.
This situation is keeping me homeless, and keeping me apart from my children. The stress of not being able to provide for and protect my kids is the worst part. If something doesn't change, I may have to go the slumlords who don't screen people and don't keep up their rentals - they're the only ones I know will take me, and I really want the chance to find something better for my family.
And it's frustrating, because I have a Housing Choice Voucher, so I can afford a place to live, but I can't afford to keep paying screening fees to be denied housing over and over. I've got a misdemeanor on my record and less-than-great credit, so it's going to be take work for me to find a decent landlord who will rent to me. But to find that landlord, I need to be able to apply!
Having a home will help me bring my family back together, and help me spread my wings and soar. So I ask you to pass Senate Bill 5123, the Fair Tenant Screening Act, out of committee, and give people like me and my kids a chance to find a safe, healthy home and move forward with our lives.