New Eviction Resolution Program offers resources to tenants and landlords

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The Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County is part of a new pilot program providing resources and support to renters at-risk for eviction, and landlords experiencing financial hardship, as a result of the COVID-19 public health crisis.

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the economy and exacerbated the housing and eviction crisis.  Eviction not only leaves a family without a home, it can lead to job loss, depression and make it harder to secure housing in the future.  Landlords face a loss of property and investment during the crisis.

The DRC has a long history of providing mediation and telephone conciliation to resolve landlord-tenant issues.  The Eviction Resolution Program is intended to resolve landlord-tenant disputes before they lead to court filings and evictions. 

​A specially-trained Eviction Resolution Specialist is available to provide guidance and assistance over the phone, as well as arrange mediation services when needed.  The DRC also offers resources to assist Spanish-speaking members of our community.  Phone assistance and mediation services provided through this program are provided at no cost to either tenants or landlords.

The Eviction Resolution Program was created by Resolution Washington - the state-wide network of Dispute Resolution Centers - at the direction of Washington State Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Stephens.  A standing order in Thurston County Superior Court requires landlords to demonstrate their participation in the program before filing an unlawful detainer (the beginning of the eviction process) against a tenant for rent owed.

Other local partner organizations providing resources include Thurston County Volunteer Legal Services and Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason and Thurston Counties.

To learn more about the DRC’s Eviction Resolution Program and access resources, call (360) 956-1155 ext.113 or visit https://www.mediatethurston.org/eviction-resolution.html

The content above was provided by The Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County.

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