COVID-19 Eviction Updates
The eviction moratorium in Washington State ended on June 30, 2021. New laws were passed in April and May 2021 giving low-income tenants the right to court-appointed attorneys for eviction defense, requiring “just cause” for eviction, and setting out requirements for repayment plans and mediation for nonpayment of rent. Learn more at Washington Law Help.
Housing Justice Project: Legal Advice and Eviction Defense
If you are a tenant having a landlord/tenant issue or fear you will be evicted, please contact our office at 360-890-4678 to see if we can help you. If we don’t answer, please leave us a voicemail and we will return your call as soon as possible. We have volunteer attorneys who can provide advice over the phone by appointment. If you are a low-income tenant and you’ve received a summons and complaint for eviction (unlawful detainer) you may have the right to an attorney to represent you in court. Your income must be below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to receive help.
You can also contact the statewide Eviction Defense Screening Hotline: 1-855-657-8387
If you have a landlord/tenant issue or are facing eviction, you may also contact the CLEAR hotline, (1-888-201-1014) which has attorneys who may be able to advise you on the phone or refer your case to one of their staff attorneys. CLEAR is open Monday-Friday from 9:15am-12:15pm. You must have no or low income to receive help. If you’re over the age of 60, you can call the CLEAR Senior hotline (1-888-387-7111).
Please be aware we do not have attorneys at the Thurston County Courthouse to provide on-site advice.
Landlords
TCVLS is unable to provide legal services to landlords. These resources may help you find a private attorney:
