Eviction Resolution Pilot Program

Washington’s Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP) ended by state statute as of
July 1, 2023. Landlords are no longer required to provide tenants with an ERPP Notice and no longer required to give tenants the option to participate in the ERPP before the landlord
can file an unlawful detainer (eviction) case in court for rent not paid.

The ERPP was established by the state legislature as a two-year mandatory pilot operating statewide from November 1, 2021, to June 30, 2023 and brought tenants with rent owed and landlords together with a professionally trained, impartial mediator to help them resolve conflicts regarding rent owed. Neutral Ground DRC directly served more than 1,780 tenants and landlords through the ERPP and more than 80% of tenancies were preserved,
where outcomes were known.

Information for Landlords and Tenants about the End of the ERPP

You may find helpful information concerning residential evictions for nonpayment of rent
on the Washington State Courts’ ERPP website, the Washington Attorney General’s
Landlord-Tenant website and Washington Law Help.

Neutral Ground provides neutral guidance and support to both landlords and tenants through the complete process. We distribute information necessary to comply with the program requirements, through standing orders, forms, and referrals to other local and state resources.

We also provide a safe and neutral environment for mediation and the tools necessary to negotiate repayment plans and/or other reasonable solutions. Finally, we deliver the necessary certificate for filing of an unlawful detainer (eviction) with the court.

For landlords:

If you filed a notice and had an ERPP case open on July 1, 2023,

or are a residential landlord with questions about a tenant who owes rent as of July 1, 2023, you may wish to seek legal advice and/or contact the County Clerk or Superior Court serving the county where the tenant resides for guidance.

If you are a landlord seeking legal advice or representation, these organizations have member attorneys who may be able to assist you:
Multifamily Housing Association (Supplier Directory)
Rental Housing Association of Washington (Vendor Directory)
Washington Landlord Association

For tenants:

If you are a tenant seeking legal advice or representation, please contact the Eviction Defense Screening Line at (855) 657-8387 or apply on-line at https://nwjustice.org/apply-online.

For Landlords or Tenants:

If you are unable to obtain a private attorney or do not qualify for free legal services, the Moderate Means program offered through the Washington State Bar Association may be able to help you access legal advice and/or representation.

Voluntary services for Tenants & Landlords:

We also offer voluntary free or affordable mediation services to resolve many types of housing issues outside of court. Voluntary services are different from mandatory processes like the ERPP that are court-ordered or directed by the legislature.

When participating by choice, you can choose the outcome that works for you, as professionally trained mediators support all participants in working together to brainstorm ideas and evaluate options.

Further inquiries can be directed to our Case Manager & Intake Specialist Amber Fagnant at [email protected] or by calling 509-730-1317.