Description

If you’re about to be evicted in Washington state, what rights do you have? Luke talks to Heidi Groover, who is the real estate reporter for the Seattle Times, about a story she wrote last October about tenant protections in Washington state. These protections give low-income people facing eviction the right to an attorney. 

This is a first of its kind state law anywhere in the United States and Heidi walks us through how these protections are supposed to work. 

• A landlord can’t file an eviction until they have offered a tenant a chance at mediation through an Eviction Resolution Program with a “reasonable repayment plan.” This program can help connect the tenant with rental assistance programs too. 
• If the case makes it to court, the tenant has the right to an attorney even if they can’t afford one. 

Most importantly, if you are a renter and need If you need help staying in your home, contact the Tenants Union of Washington.