Thurston County residents facing eviction can apply for rental assistance programs

Thurston County offers three types of assistance for residents who are struggling to pay their rent according to the Thurston County Housing Action Team.

These programs include rent assistance, eviction resolution, and free legal assistance. “The overall goal is to prevent evictions and keep our community members in their homes,” Elisa Sparkman, Co-chair of the regional action team, shared in a statement.

Rent assistance

Through the rent assistance program, the County aims to help residents by providing rent payments. Two programs cover past-due rents starting from March 13, 2020. They may also help cover future rent for up to three months. In addition to rent payments, the program covers past-due utility bills and other services including the internet.

Those ages 25 and up are eligible to apply through the Community Action Council website or by calling 360-438-1100.

For those aged 18-24 there is a similar program available from Community Youth Services at their website or by calling 360-943-0780.

Due to the number of applications, appointments are set as far as six weeks from the time of scheduling.

Eviction resolution

The eviction resolution program helps landlords and tenants to resolve disputes and prevent court filings or evictions. The Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County (DRC), a nonprofit organization provides mediation services.

The DRC helps landlords and tenants to negotiate a written agreement that allows landlords to collect payments, and ensure that the tenants are able to maintain their housing.

These services are also available for tenants or landlords. To participate in the program, residents may visit the organization’s website at mediatethurston.org/eviction-resolution or call (360) 956-1155.

Legal Assistance

If the disputes remain unresolved, legal assistance is also available for tenants who are facing eviction. Currently, the Thurston County Volunteer Legal Services, and the Northwest Justice Project provides free legal advice and representation for eviction cases.

Residents are encouraged to visit Thurston County Volunteer Legal Services at www.tcvls.org  or Northwest Justice Project nwjustice.org after they receive a notice.

Moratorium Bridge

Gov. Jay Inslee issued a housing stability ‘bridge’ emergency order on June 29 which covers the period from July 1 to Sept. 30, 2021. The “bridge” will help tenants keep their homes until the services under the Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill (E2SSB) 5160 becomes stabilized.

E2SSB 5160 covers the tenant-landlord relationship and aims to protect tenants during health emergencies. Currently, landlords are still prohibited from asking tenants who are unable to pay their rent to vacate the property. The moratorium covers rental payments from Feb. through July 31, 2021.

Property owners are also prohibited from issuing late fees, or any other charges for non-payment of rent between Feb. 29, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2021.

Future rents

Landlords are allowed to serve a Pay or Vacate Notice for unpaid rents starting August 1, 2021. To serve the notice, the landlord must ensure that they meet certain conditions. These include:

• The tenant failed to pay their full or negotiated rent
• The tenant has no pending rental assistance application
• Service of notice must comply with state laws such as the Eviction Resolution Program (ERP)

Note that the landlord is not required to accept partial payment. However, they are required to offer a reasonable payment plan.

Rent increase

Landlords are allowed to raise rents starting on July 1 as long as they are able to provide appropriate notice. Property owners who are receiving funds through state or federal rent assistance programs are prohibited from implementing a rate increase.