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Attorneys who provide advice and (sometimes) representation for those who are being evicted or who are having Landlord/Tenant issues. Interpreters available.

The Housing Justice Project’s Appointed Counsel Team represents tenants in eviction hearings. If you are low income and have been served with a Summons and Complaint for Unlawful Detainer (Eviction), contact HJP right away. If you have a show cause hearing scheduled, COME TO YOUR HEARING so our Appointed Counsel attorneys will have a chance to provide you representation. The Housing Justice Project also provides tenants help with eviction notices, installment plans for move-in costs, move-out issues, deposits, repairs, disputes, habitability, discrimination, illegal lockouts, utility shutoffs, past evictions, criminal history/legal financial obligations on your record and more, including community outreach and education and work with community partners to remove barriers to becoming housed and staying housed.

- Offers free legal assistance to low-income tenants involved in residential eviction court proceedings. Legal assistants interview tenants and attorneys review all relevant documents. - Attorneys will represent in court and to resolve filed eviction lawsuit; attorneys will also negotiate with the landlord and represent the tenant. - Attorneys are unable to assist with evictions from emergency shelters or residential care facilities (such as nursing homes). Attorneys may assist those being evicted from permanent, transitional, and manufactured (mobile home) housing. - Drop-in child care provided by the Children's Home Society at the Regional Justice Center for parents while they appear in court.

Provides tenant education to tenants only on the rights and responsibilities of both tenant and landlord. Provides tenant resources, eviction prevention resources and legal aid resource information. This is done over the phone through the Voice Message Line (see times below) Offers Rent Smart webinars and workshops, as well as one-on-one conversations via the voice message line to address rental issues. Webinar and message line services are available in English and Spanish, and translation services are available for other languages.

Provides information on the Residential Landlord/Tenant Act of Washington.  Information is provided over the phone, with brochures and through presentations.  Mediation and conciliation services are also offered at no/low cost.

Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) housing and zoning inspectors respond to complaints about:   -  Minimum housing standards -  Land use violations -  Shorelines -  "Just cause" eviction -  Vacant and unfit buildings -  Lock-outs -  Rent increases without proper notice -  Landlord or property manager retaliation -  Landlord or property manager entering a unit without both notice and consent -  Prohibiting tenant organizing -  Landlord or property manager harassment Health and safety are the department's first priorities for investigation and resolution of reported violations.    Health concerns include tenant complaints about conditions that may cause mold in rental units, such as excessive moisture. Seattle’s Housing and Building Maintenance Code (HBMC) contains requirements designed to keep building occupants dry and warm. In a building maintained in compliance with code requirements, all components of the building including foundation, roof, walls and windows are reasonably weather tight, watertight and damp-free.   SDCI conducts inspections of the property named in the complaint and contacts the landlord. SDCI sets a time frame for voluntary resolution.   Code compliance specialists will take cases that violate housing codes, and will require rescission of bad eviction notices and correction of unsafe or unpermitted housing conditions. The law department will eventually sue violators if necessary. Also performs investigations of illegal evictions.   New enforcement for leases entered into after 1/15/17. Refer if: -  The landlord requires security deposit/nonrefundable move-in fees that are more than first month's rent   -  The landlord requires nonrefundable move-in fees other than for tenant screening report, cleaning at termination of tenancy, criminal background check, or credit report   -  The landlord requires a pet deposit that is more than 25% of first month's rent or any other pet fee/rent -  The landlord refuses to enter payment plan for security deposit/nonrefundable move-in fees, pet deposit, or last month's rent -  The deposit not returned and no move-in checklist was signed by landlord and tenant at move-in -  No statement of deposit or deposit returned 21 days after tenant moved out   Advance notice may be needed for an interpreter.

Services are provided by trained professional mediators who volunteer their time. Services include: - Face-to-face mediation - Conflict coaching for problems - Some simple negotiation over the telephone TYPES OF PROBLEMS THE CENTER WILL HANDLE: - Neighborhood problems (noise, pets, parking, lawn & garden, property line problems and other nuisances) - Landlord-tenant issues (deposits, repairs, damages, eviction prevention due to COVID, etc. ) - Real estate or personal property - Foreclosure mediation - Business consumer problems (faulty merchandise, refunds, exchanges, etc. ) - Employer/employee grievances - School problems involving faculty or administration, students or parents - Family issues such as problems related to divorce and parenting plans - Other domestic problems not involving violence, restraining orders, or other factors that require professional intervention or assistance. TYPES OF PROBLEMS NOT HANDLED: - Any problem requiring legal assistance, such as filing lawsuits, criminal defenses, will preparation, etc. - Issues involving drug/alcohol abuse, domestic violence, abuse to children, or issues where one or more parties fears abuse - Problems where a party cannot speak adequately on their own behalf, although can work with clients who have a case manager. All clients must be able to keep agreements made

Mediation is one way that people can resolve their conflicts and still maintain or improve the quality of the relationship with the other person. In a family, a business environment, or in small towns, this can be especially important.   What you can expect in a mediation session:   Trained certified mediators to guide you through the mediation process and the expectation of the mediation   To keep the communication productive and focused on the issue the mediator will outline what it means to mediate in good faith   Time to tell all parties your story, how you feel, and how you would like to resolve the issues   Time to listen and hear the other parties’ stories, how they feel, and how they would like to resolve the issues   Work together to outline a list of items you would like resolved   Talk to each other and come to mutually agreeable solutions    Design your own settlement agreements that are long lasting   Mediation sessions can last up to 3 hours, and parties can schedule multiple session based on their own needs.    Parenting Plan Creation and Parenting Plan Modifications In the state of Washington, parents are required to have a "Parenting Plan" before a judge will grant a divorce.  In Mediation the parents can work together in the best interest of the children, work through historical issues, and work towards healthy communication and respectful relationship.  Additionally, parents will have the opportunity to design their parenting plan that looks to the future; identifying potential changes in their lives: i.e. new partners, residential transfers, children's changing needs.    When parents' communication is ineffective, children suffer in school, in peer relationships and in self-esteem. Unresolved conflict is expensive.   Business Mediations are an effective and efficient process to help resolve employment disputes. A neutral mediator can assist parties in reaching a voluntary, negotiated agreement. Choosing mediation to resolve employment disputes promotes a better work environment, reduces costs and brings satisfaction for both the employer and the employee.   According to Halvorson Human Resources, the cost of turnover ranges from approximately 3 months pay for an hourly worker to $145,000 for a hi-tech employee.  Conflict is expensive.  PDRC offers the following meditations: Family, Divorce, Parenting Plans, Foreclosure, Neighborhood, Workplace, Business, Landlord/Tenant

Provides information on landlord-tenant laws and legal rights and options for tenants with immediate housing problems, including eviction. One-on-one counseling is available. Assists in organizing groups of tenants to bring about landlord compliance with the Landlord/Tenant Act and existing housing codes. Provides community education on tenant issues, advocates for tenants' rights and offers referrals for rent assistance. Does not provide legal counsel, but does provide referrals to appropriate counsel.

Provides information and referrals to both landlords and tenants to resolve disputes that arise under the Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act.   Available to both property owners, property managers, and tenants within the Tacoma City Limits.

Has free legal advice clinics in Olympia, Aberdeen and Shelton for those with income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Also assist residents of Lewis County in Olympia until a clinic can get set up in Lewis County. Uses volunteer attorneys to assist income-eligible individuals with advice in the areas of family law, landlord tenant law, consumer law, will and estate and employment law. Clients MUST contact CLEAR (1-888-201-1014) between 9am and noon Monday through Friday to be scheduled for a legal advice clinic. FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS, CALL SOUND LEGAL AID OFFICE DIRECTLY 360-705-8194. Clinics are held in Olympia, Aberdeen and Shelton on various days of the month. (Currently clinics are over the phone due to the community response to COVID-19) Victims of Domestic Violence are seen at SafePlace. (Clinic is closed due to the community response to COVID-19, but help is still provided over the phone) THOSE PEOPLE NEEDING EMERGENCY PROTECTION ORDERS SHOULD CALL 360-705-8194.

People involved in a conflict meet with two skilled mediators for a 2-hour session. Without taking sides, mediators guide the parties through a process to resolve their conflict and reach a solution both of them can live with, resulting in successful resolution more than 80% of the time. Mediation can be used by: - Neighbors - Tenants and landlords - Homeowners facing foreclosure - Employees and supervisors - Work teams - Business owners and their customers - Divorcing couples - Parents developing parenting plans - Teens and their parents - Elders, their families and caregivers. Mediation does not prevent either party from taking further action such as filing a grievance, using arbitration or going to court.

Provides mediation services, a tenant-landlord resolution program, and facilitation for those who choose to resolve their disputes in a non-adversarial and neutral environment. Mediation is a voluntary process that provides an opportunity and an environment for mutually and efficiently resolving conflicts in a private, safe, and positive environment. With the help of certified skilled mediators, parties share their views and have the opportunity to address important issues in a cooperative constructive way. Resolutions are created together and accepted by both parties that reflect the individual values and needs of both.

Provides MEDIATION services only. Does NOT mediate dissolutions (divorce) or child custody matters. Does NOT offer any legal advice. Parties voluntarily negotiate the settlement of their disputes with an impartial third party. The parties decide the outcome of the mediation, rather than a judge or arbitrator. The mediator serves to guide the process, mediators are second- and third-year law students under the supervision of law faculty. Typical mediation cases include: - Buyer/Seller - Real Estate Issues - Consumer/Business - Co-workers - Employer/Employee - Housemates/Roommates - Landlord/Tenant - Neighbors - Student/Staff - General Civil Litigation

Hosts a legal clinic specifically designed to address the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and couples. This clinic is run by QLaw Foundation in partnership with the King County Bar Association. The clinic is open to everyone regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. At the clinic, an attorney will meet with clients for 30 minutes and provide individualized legal advice and information. Clinic attorneys will answer questions and provide information in a variety of areas including family law, immigration, debt and bankruptcy, divorce/dissolution, employment discrimination, and transgender legal issues.

Takes complaints and investigates situations that include: - Accumulation of junk and debris - Clearing or grading without permits - Construction without a permit - Dangerous or open-to-entry buildings - Illegally placed mobile homes or factory-assembled structures - Irresponsible or hazardous development - Livestock infractions - Open wells and other hazardous conditions - Operation of an illegal business - Storage of junk cars - Zoning code infractions Investigates possible code violations.    Operates a 24-hour telephone hotline for reports of serious violations of environmental laws during off hours. The hotline allows staff to react and halt damage.

It provides for a process to assist landlords and tenants in making rent repayment plans, in negotiation of lease related concerns, or in any other housing related dispute. The purpose of the program is to prevent the eviction of tenants who wish to stay housed where they are or to create a seamless exit plan for those who wish to leave. The Peninsula Dispute Resolution Center is the lead agency in Clallam and Jefferson counties, to coordinate participation in rent repayment plans between landlords, tenants, their legal counsel, funding agencies and other services as needed.

Operates legal clinics providing free 30 minute consultations with an attorney at multiple locations across King County. As of 9/2024, most clinics are telephonic, but there may be limited in-person availability in Seattle and Kent. Details will be provided to clients during intake screening. Clinic attorneys can: - Determine whether the client has a legal problem - Suggest possible options - Help answer papers, summons and requests - Provide appropriate referrals Neighborhood Legal Clinic attorneys may not have expertise in all areas of the law, but they will make every attempt to answer questions accurately. Attorneys CANNOT give advice on criminal legal issues or provide representation on any legal matters.

Has free legal advice clinics in Olympia, Aberdeen and Shelton for those with income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Also assist residents of Lewis County in Olympia until a clinic can get set up in Lewis County. Uses volunteer attorneys to assist income-eligible individuals with advice in the areas of family law, landlord tenant law, consumer law, will and estate and employment law. Clients MUST contact CLEAR (1-888-201-1014) between 9am and noon Monday through Friday to be scheduled for a legal advice clinic. FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS, CALL SOUND LEGAL AID OFFICE DIRECTLY 360-705-8194. Clinics are held in Olympia, Aberdeen and Shelton on various days of the month. (Currently clinics are over the phone due to the community response to COVID-19) Victims of Domestic Violence are seen at SafePlace. (Clinic is closed due to the community response to COVID-19, but help is still provided over the phone) THOSE PEOPLE NEEDING EMERGENCY PROTECTION ORDERS SHOULD CALL 360-705-8194.

Connects people with community resources to help meet basic needs such as food and housing; including requests for emergency shelter, rental assistance, referrals for affordable housing and problem solving help with landlord/tenant issues.

Provides support for housing stability for those impacted by overdue rent and rent accumulation. Works with both Landlords and Tenants to assess rental assistance availability and post eviction moratorium repayment agreements.

Provides Legal information on the following topics: Divorce, Parenting Plan Modification, Paternity, Third-Party Custody and Protection Orders. Also provides services for Land Lord/Tennant Issues, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Bankruptcy, and Will preparation

Provides free, confidential and impartial coaching and negotiation help to landlords and tenants. Helps landlords and tenants negotiate alternatives to eviction, which may prevent expensive and burdensome eviction proceedings.

Provides voluntary confidential mediation to individuals, organizations and communities. Serves as an alternative or compliment to the judicial system, provides professional training in mediation and conflict resolution, and promotes the vital importance of peacefully resolving disputes. Provides assistance with the following issues: -  Neighborhood problems (noise, pets, parking, lawn & garden, property line problems and other nuisances) -  Landlord-tenant issues (deposits, repairs, damages, etc.) -  Real estate or personal property -  Foreclosure mediation -  Business consumer problems (faulty merchandise, refunds, exchanges, etc.) -  Employer/employee grievances -  School problems involving faculty or administration, students or parents -  Family issues such as problems related to divorce and parenting plans -  Other domestic problems not involving violence or other factors that require professional intervention or assistance Does not assist with the following issues: -  Any problem requiring legal assistance, such as filing lawsuits, criminal defenses, will preparation, etc. -  Issues involving drug/alcohol abuse, domestic violence, abuse to children, or issues where one or more parties fears abuse -  Problems where a party cannot speak adequately on their own behalf, although can work with clients who have a case manager

Provides mediation services to the courts in Benton and Franklin counties, and for those who choose to resolve their disputes in a non-adversarial and neutral environment. Services are much more affordable and less stressful than litigation. Mediate landlord/tenant disputes, neighbor disputes, family disagreements, divorce issues, parenting plans, domestic property divisions, employer/employee disputes, consumer/merchant disputes, co-worker disputes, citizen/governmental agency disputes, inter-agency disputes, and construction disputes.