On Friday, July 23rd the Tenants’ Union lost a dedicated member and leader. Vern Zuehlsdorff was tirelessly committed organizing with other low-income tenants for secure, safe and healthy housing. He passed away at age 67 from an infection. He will...
On Tuesday, August 3rd, 350 people — including Section 8 tenants, elected officials, and leaders of housing authorities, community organizations, and religious groups — gathered outside the Federal Building to challenge our elected officials to preserve funding for the Section...
Earlier this month, members and staff of the Tenants Union led Seattle City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen on a tour of Southeast Seattle. The tour stopped at several sites in the area, focusing on low-quality housing in the area, along with...
Last Thursday, Tenants Union members and staff joined hundreds of other housing activists in Olympia for 2005’s Housing Advocacy Day. After being trained on how to lobby legislators in the morning, the TU’s tenant lobbyists met with their legislators to...
February 24th Update: Relocation Assistance passes out of Senate committee! Now is the time to call your legislators and tell them to support bringing this important legislation to the full House and Senate, and to vote Yes to hold slumlords...
The State Senate voted today to pass our Tenant Relocation Assistance Legislation. The vote was unanimous (48 to 0, with 1 Senator excused). This is a major victory in our fight to pass relocation assistance! Now all eyes turn to...
On April 7th, the State House of Representatives passed our Relocation Assistance Bill by a vote of 84 – 12! This is a major victory for tenants in Washington State. More about the Relocation Assistance bill. Big thank yous go...
WHEREAS, The Tenants Union of Washington draws inspiration from Article One of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “All humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards...
WHEREAS, The Tenants Union of Washington draws inspiration from Article One of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “All humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards...
To: Residents of the Rainier Valley, City of Seattle Office of Housing, Seattle City Council, Southeast District Council, Tenants Union Members Open Letter Regarding Proposed Development of Low Income Housing in Hillman City Recently there has been heated debate around...
Facilitated by Dwayne Marsh of PolicyLink, this event will explore the dynamics of gentrification and what the Rainier Valley can do to ensure that all its residents benefit from the forthcoming Rainier Valley redevelopment. Rainier Valley Community Gathering on Development...
Rainier Valley tenants and allies are encouraged to attend this important meeting: Community Renewal for Southeast Seattle? Thursday, October 19th, 20066:30 pm to 8:30 pmRainier Cultural Center 3515 South Alaska Street (on the corner of Rainier and Alaska) Bus numbers...
For 30 years the Tenants Union has lived out the mission established by our founders to fight for housing justice through education, organizing and advocacy. Members and supporters have put themselves on the line for justice; organizing against discrimination, fighting...
Update: Nikki McClure prints still available. Order yours today! Collect Local Art, And Support the TU! Nikki McClure is an Olympia-based artist who has gained a strong following with her intricately carved images that she frequently uses to depict...
The Washington Supreme Court today struck down a Seattle Housing Authority rule that prohibited public housing tenants from placing any type of sign on their apartment doors. Eric Dunn of the Northwest Justice Project’s Seattle office represented the Resident Action...
“The typical renter in the Seattle-Bellevue area could afford a one-bedroom apartment a year ago but just a studio now, according to a new report.” The Seattle P-I reported on the rising costs of housing, click on the following link...
1) Put your repair request in writing & document repairs. RCW 59.18.070 Sample Letter: Repair Request The Landlord-Tenant Act says that the timeline for a landlord to begin repairs doesn’t start until they receive a written request from tenants. It’s...
TU Victory! This law exists because members of the Tenants Union worked together and fought for it. If you have benefited from this law, go to Tenants Union Membership to find out more about becoming a member to support the...
RCW 59.18.060 A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture & Your Home Got Mold?: Washington State Department of Health Indoor Air Quality: Northwest Clean Air Agency Indoor Air Quality: Seattle & King County Public Health Mold: American Lung Association Secondhand Smoke...
1) Document the condition of the unit when you move in and when you move out. RCW 59.18.260 Sample Move In/Move Out Inspection Checklist You can defend yourself against wrongful damage charges after you move out by thoroughly documenting the...
Legal assistance is extraordinarily valuable for tenants but must be utilized in specific ways. There are five primary ways to make legal assistance work for you in resolving landlord-tenant matters. Many of these resources are free or low cost to...
Washington State Human Rights Commission: 800-233-3247 — Enforces the law against discrimination and investigates complaints regarding civil rights violations. King County Office of Civil Rights: 206-296-7592 — Fair Housing enforcement and information for tenants in unincorporated King County. Seattle Office...
Some of the following resources are specific to King County. For resources in your area, contact the Washington State 2-1-1 at 2-1-1 from a landline, 206-461-3200 or 800-621-4636 or 206-461-3610 for TTY/hearing impaired calls. Washington LawHelp: (online only) — Provides...
1. If You Cannot Pay Your Rent Contact your landlord as soon as you realize you may not be able to pay your rent. Clear communication is essential. Let your landlord know that while you may not be able to...
In many cities, code enforcement offices send inspectors to check rental housing for violations. However, not all cities enforce all tenant rights or conduct inspections. Inspectors may contact landlords directly to ensure compliance with housing codes. You usually need to...
Mediation and dispute resolution are invaluable tools to assist renters in solving problems with landlords. Since there is no enforcement for landlord-tenant laws in Washington State, negotiation with landlords is one of the best ways to solve problems and assert...
The landlord must provide a copy of the rental agreement to each tenant that signs it. The tenant may request one free replacement copy during the tenancy. There are three different types of rental agreements: 1) Month-to-month rental agreements do...
RCW 59.18.140 SMC 7.24.030 - Rental agreement requirements Sample Letter: Improper Rent Increase or Rule Change A landlord cannot change any aspect of a lease during the fixed-term period except by mutual agreement. Therefore, rent is fixed during the lease...
Some of the following resources are specific to King County. For resources in your area, contact the Washington State 2-1-1 at 2-1-1 from a landline, 206-461-3200 or 800-621-4636 or 206-461-3610 for TTY/hearing impaired calls. 2-1-1 is a clearinghouse for all...
The Landlord-Tenant Act allows only four reasons for breaking a lease during the term. They are: RCW 59.18.200: A call to military service. RCW 59.18.090: As a response to a repair concern that the landlord isn’t taking action to fix...
It is crucial that you read a lease very carefully before you sign it. It is a legally binding contract, and you can be held to any and all of the conditions of tenancy once you sign the document, as...
Sample Letter: Improper Rent Increase or Rule Change Your Rights as a Tenant in Washington State: Washington Law Help Small Claims Court: Washington Law Help Washington State Dispute Resolution Centers: Resolution Washington Legal Assistance Guide: Tenants Union
RCW 59.18.150 Sample Letter: Invasion of Privacy State law details tenants’ rights to privacy and notice requirements for landlords to enter rental units. Except in the case of emergency or if it is impracticable to do so, landlords must give...
Landlords will often collect first and last month’s rent upon move-in. This money can only be used for rent and is not considered a deposit. If the rental agreement does not specifically state how tenants should apply their last month’s...
Sample Letter: Deposit Return Request Sample Move In/Move Out Inspection Checklist Sample Letter: Request for Holding Deposit Sample Letter: Notice to Vacate King County Small Claims Court Information: King County District Court Small Claims Outside of King County Letter to...
RCW 59.18.150: Landlord’s right of entry Sample Letter: Invasion of Privacy Dispute Resolution: Resolution Washington Legal Assistance Guide: Tenants Union
RCW 59.18.030(9) RCW 59.18.060 RCW 59.18.030 offers a definition for the landlord of your building. The definition of landlord includes anyone designated as a representative of the owner, lessor, or sublessor, including but not limited to an agent, resident manager...
The Landlord-Tenant Act in Washington State does not specifically spell out steps for tenants to take to address concerns that arise between neighbors. Some of the most common issues between neighbors are noise complaints, smoking, safety concerns and false reports...
It’s useful to think of your attempt to resolve issues with your neighbor as a trial-and-error process that will involve some negotiation and, likely, some compromise. It is a good idea to take the easiest, least complicated steps first and...
Navigating issues that arise between roommates sharing housing can be extremely complicated, and unfortunately there is nothing in the Landlord-Tenant Act that addresses the issue. Sometimes roommates enter into a rental agreement without knowing each other well, and new tenants...
Tenants may find themselves either sharing a living space with their landlord or living in the same building or unit as the property owner, manager or other agent of the landlord. Use caution when entering into a living situation where...
Dispute Resolution: Resolution Washington Legal Assistance Guide: Tenants Union Seattle Police Department: Avoiding Noise Seattle Noise Laws
RCW 59.18.060 The landlord is responsible for the property and has explicit requirements under Washington State law regarding care and maintenance. For a complete listing of the landlord’s duties, see RCW 59.18.060. It is also essential that you document your...
Sample Letter: Repair Request Sample Letter: Vacate for Unmade Repairs Tenants’ Repair Remedies: Northwest Justice Project Small Claims Court: Northwest Justice Project Washington State Dispute Resolution Centers: Resolution Washington
1) Give your landlord at least 20 days written notice. RCW 59.18.200 RCW 59.18.310 Sample Letter: Notice to Vacate The law requires that month-to-month tenants give landlords at least 20 days written notice before vacating their units. If you are...
RCW 59.18.060 Bed Bugs: Seattle & King County Public Health Bed Bugs: Washington State Department of Health Landlords are obligated under state law to manage infestations in rental units, with an exception: in single family residences and in cases where...
Since landlord-tenant laws are self-enforced, it is up to you as a tenant to proactively take steps to ensure the conditions of the unit are thoroughly documented when you move in and when you vacate. The following questions outline your...
Since laws regarding deposits have their limitations and are self-enforced, tenants should keep good documentation and know your rights to gain leverage in your negotiations with your landlord. Here are some ideas you can try when working to get your...
RCW 59.18.200 RCW 59.18.220 Seattle Just Cause Information A termination of tenancy is different from an eviction. A termination is the landlord formally ending the rental agreement and asking the tenant to vacate the rental unit. A tenant can have...
Here's an overview of the eviction process: It's important for tenants to understand their rights and legal options when facing eviction and to seek legal advice if needed to navigate the process effectively. Additionally, tenants should carefully review all documents...
This section explores the main factors that come into consideration in tenant screening: Screening Fees Credit History Rental History Evictions Criminal Records Employment & Income Social Security Number Discrimination in Tenant Screening Screening Protections for Survivors of Violence In general...
As you start searching for housing, make a list of any questions you have. Don’t be afraid to ask to speak to other tenants or to ask about the neighborhood, the nearest shopping centers, bus lines, or any visible damages...
There are several types of programs that offer low- and moderate-income housing for renters in Washington State. See Apartment Finder or Washington State 2-1-1 for more detailed information on the different kinds of programs available in your area. Housing Search...
Annual Credit Report A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act: Federal Trade Commission website How to Dispute Credit Report Errors: Federal Trade Commission Apartment Finder: Multifamily Affordable Properties website for affordable housing in Washington State Public...
The Tenant Education Program helps tenants get the knowledge and skills to keep themselves and their families safely housed. The TU provides empowerment-based tenant counseling, education and assistance to help tenants learn their rights and take action to resolve housing...
RCW 59.18.230 RCW 59.18.140 If a lease contains a section or language that attempts to waive your rights defined in the Landlord-Tenant Act that particular section is considered unenforceable. The rest of the lease will still be valid. No rental...
RCW 59.18.310 In the event that a tenant abandons a unit, Washington State landlord-tenant law defines abandonment and lays out specific obligations for the landlord to follow in regards to the tenant’s property. RCW 59.18.310 defines abandonment as when a...