As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage, many small Seattle restaurants are facing dire economic straits. But newly-passed legislation that offers protections in a lease default may give them at least some peace of mind.

On Monday, the Seattle city council passed a law that prevents landlords from seizing personal property should a small business of 50 or fewer employees (or a nonprofit) default on a commercial lease. The law will be in place throughout the current state of emergency,