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Eviction Resolution Pilot Program

Are you a renter at-risk for eviction, or a landlord experiencing financial hardship, as a result of the COVID-19 public health crisis?
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​The Dispute Resolution Center provides resources to facilitate dialog and negotiation between tenants and landlords regarding rent payment plans to help renters maintain housing.

Para información de nuestros  servicios en español  marque al (360)956-1155 extensión 150 o mande un mensaje a iorozco@mediatethurston.org
Thurston County has temporarily suspended the Treasury Rental Assistance Program with Community Action Council. Please contact Thurston County Public Health & Services with any questions or requests for rental assistance.
Are you in a crisis situation? The Crisis Clinic provides 24-hour phone service to anyone who calls offering crisis intervention, emotional support, and resource information.
If you are in crisis right now, you are not alone. Please call the Crisis Clinic for support.
Do you need legal advice?   Please call the Housing Justice Project to speak to an attorney.  As neutral facilitators, we cannot advise tenants or landlords in their legal rights and responsibilities.
The Eviction Resolution Pilot Program is fully operational in Thurston and Mason Counties.
The Governor's "Bridge Proclamation 21-09" extending some eviction moratorium protections expired on October 31, 2021. The Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP) in Thurston and Mason Counties is operational, as enacted in April, 2021 (SB 5160 Section 7, RCW 59.18.630).
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This means the DRC can accept ERPP notices for tenants who are behind on rent, and can offer a DRC certificate at the end of the process.

The Eviction Resolution Pilot Program was established by Senate Bill 5160 to resolve landlord and tenant disputes before they lead to court filings and evictions. The DRC has been providing early resolution services prior to court proceedings since 1991. Early resolution allows parties to access resources and engage in a structured conflict resolution process in order to reach their own informed and mutually-acceptable settlement agreements.

Phone assistance and mediation services through the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program are provided at no cost to either tenants or landlords.
I'm a landlord - what does this mean for me?
If you have a tenant who is behind on rent, you can now submit an ERPP Resource Notice to your tenant and to the DRC. We can also offer you a DRC Certificate at the end of the resolution process. A DRC Certificate is required to file for eviction in court for nonpayment of rent.

To get started, please contact our Eviction Resolution Team at (360) 956-1155 or by email.
I'm a tenant - what does this mean for me?
If you're behind on rent, your landlord may serve you with a notice asking you to take part in the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program.
If you receive a notice from your landlord, you must contact the DRC by the "Respond By" date at the top of the notice to participate in the program. If we do not hear from you by that date, we must issue a DRC Certificate that allows your landlord to file for eviction.

You can reach our Eviction Resolution Team at (360) 956-1155 ext. 113.
If you are located in Thurston or Mason Counties and want more information about this proclamation and how it may affect your particular situation, please contact our Eviction Resolution Team at (360) 956-1155 ext. 113 or by email.
The Eviction Resolution Pilot Program was created to resolve landlord and tenant disputes before they lead to court filings and evictions.

Communication between landlords and tenants can be challenging. The Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County has a long history of providing mediation and other resources to address landlord-tenant issues. 

​Our specially-trained Eviction Resolution Team is available to provide guidance and assistance over the phone, as well as arrange mediation services when needed.  We also offer resources to assist Spanish-speaking members of our community.  

Phone assistance and mediation services through the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program are provided at no cost to either tenants or landlords.
CONTACT US
to learn more about our services:
We will make every effort to respond to phone messages and emails within two business days.
Washington's Eviction Resolution Program - ​How it Works
Tips and Resources 
Tenants:
You will have to pay back any missed rent through a payment plan or rental assistance funds now that the eviction moratorium is over. Landlords are required to present a personalized, reasonable repayment plan for any rent missed up to 6 months after the end of the Covid-19 State of Emergency. Prepare for this conversation and consider how you can help your landlord understand your financial situation in order to make your payment plan work for you. 

To access legal resources and advice, contact Thurston County Volunteer Legal Services at (855) 657-8387.
Landlords:
​You are required to present individualized and reasonable payment plans for your tenants to pay back any rent they missed up to 6 months after the end of the Covid-19 State of Emergency. Your flexibility can help preserve your relationships with your tenants, help your tenants continue to put food on the table and help keep people in their homes.

To access affordable legal resources and advice, contact the WSBA Moderate Means Program at (855) 741-6930.
Click here for a Guide & Resource List for Tenants, Landlords & Property Managers in Thurston County
Program Partners:
CIELO - Centro Integral Educativo Latino de Olympia
Community Youth Services
This project was supported by Grant No. SLT0233 awarded by Department Of Treasury.  Points of view in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the Department of Treasury. Grant funds are administered by the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy, Community Services and Housing Division, Washington State Department of Commerce.

Affordable solutions for resolutions.
We empower people to restore and build relationships.