Hello Coalition Members --
We have been getting a lot of questions about what the potential end of the current eviction moratorium will mean for our community and we’re hoping to get the message out that people should stay in their homes, apply for rental assistance, hold off on evictions and hang in there -- there’s a lot of irrational fear. Here’s what we are sharing on our website right now at https://tacomaprobono.org/hjp:
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THE EVICTION MORATORIUM ENDS ON JUNE 30?
Tenants will not be homeless on July 1.
Landlords and tenants will still have the opportunity to receive help to cover back rent owing due to COVID.
We encourage tenants to STAY IN YOUR HOME and housing providers NOT to proceed with evictions for tenants who owe rent. Tenants who leave will not be eligible for rental assistance and may
have difficulty finding a new home. Landlords who evict tenants cannot then collect assistance for the back rent owed by that tenant.
LANDLORDS AND TENANTS — LEARN YOUR RIGHTS. THERE ARE NEW LAWS EFFECTIVE JULY 1. THE NEW LAWS PROTECT TENANTS FROM BECOMING HOMELESS BY SLOWING DOWN THE EVICTION PROCESS.
Tenants who receive an eviction notice should immediately contact our Housing Justice Project team. Landlords, although HJP cannot represent you or answer questions about specific cases,
if you are a housing provider who needs help understanding the new laws, we can be a resource for you.
The eviction process is more complex than it was before the moratorium. Landlords are now required to state a reason for filing an eviction. Housing providers must obtain certification from the Center for Dialog & Resolution that they have sought to work out
an agreement through the FREE Eviction Resolution Program before a tenant can be evicted.
Landlords and tenants — use the following contact information or click on the link below to connect with the Center for Dialog & Resolution:
(253) 572-3657
Solvelt@CenterForResolution.org
RIGHT TO COUNSEL
As of July 1, if you are low-income and facing eviction, you will be eligible for free attorney representation in your eviction case by the Housing Justice Project.
hjp@tacomaprobono.org
(253) 572-5134, xt. 102
WHAT SHOULD I DO FIRST?
All of the above. Apply for rental assistance. Contact HJP. Contact CDR.
All services are FREE.
Center for Dialog
& Resolution
Laurie Davenport
Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers
Director of Development & Outreach
Do you need help with a civil legal issue?
Access the Tacomaprobono Online Intake Form here.
Living in Tacoma or Pierce County and behind on rent? Apply for Rental Assistance here.
