Washington’s Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP) ended by state statute on June 30, 2023.
We now offer voluntary Housing Stability mediation services for tenants and landlords navigating conflict.
What was the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program?
During the two-year pilot program, Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center opened over 2,400 unique cases and directly served over 3,770 clients (as well nearly 1,000 individuals & children indirectly). In all, 95% of cases reached resolution when tenants chose to engage in services, 55% received rental assistance -- totaling more than $6,517,600.00 in funding to keep families and individuals in their homes, and nearly 90% resolved without an eviction filing.
No new ERPP Notices will be accepted, for any period of unpaid rent (including rent alleged to be owed before July 1, 2023). No requests for Certificates made after June 30, 2023, will be fulfilled by the DRC.
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. The program brought tenants and landlords together with a professionally trained, impartial mediator to help them resolve conflicts regarding rent owed.
-
Housing providers: If you 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 Whatcom County Superior Court.
Housing providers and tenants: 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.
-
What services will be available after July 1?
The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center will continue to offer free, voluntary conflict resolution services to landlords and tenants in Whatcom County.
Individual case work, information about legal aid organizations and limited available rental assistance, follow up, and mediation scheduling will be available for clients who agree to participate in voluntary services beginning July 1, 2023.
Note: we request your patience as we pivot from a mandatory to voluntary program. Staff will resume active case management for voluntary services by mid-July, 2023.
-
Housing providers and property managers, if you need help finding an attorney, these organizations may be able to assist you:
Tenants, you may be eligible for a court-appointed attorney to represent you in court proceedings at no charge. Please contact the Eviction Defense Screening Line at 855-657-8387 or apply on-line at https://nwjustice.org/apply-online to determine if you qualify and to seek legal assistance.
Housing providers and tenants, if you are unable to hire 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.
Contact our voluntary housing stability program
at Housing@whatcomdrc.org or (360) 676-0122 ext. 115.
*Para información de nuestros servicios en español marque al (360) 676-0122
extensión 114 o mande un mensaje a ramona@whatcomdrc.org
www.whatcomdrc.org/housingstability
Thank you for the opportunity to serve our Whatcom County community through the ERPP!