NOTICE TO LANDLORDS and TENANTS

The “Bridge Proclamation” extending some eviction moratorium protections and expired at 11:59pm on October 31, 2021. Potential evictions for unpaid rent from March 1, 2020 until the present are now subject to the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP), as enacted in April, 2021 (SB 5160 Section 7, RCW 59.18.630).

Landlords must engage the ERPP process before an eviction for unpaid rent may proceed to court. ERPP begins when a landlord serves a tenant and sends the local dispute resolution center an ERPP Notice along with a 14 Day Notice to Pay or Vacate. In some counties where a landlord sent these notices during the eviction moratorium or Bridge period for rent due from March, 2020 through July, 2021, new notices may be required under the ERPP. For unpaid rent due between August and October, 2021 only, previous ERPP Notices and 14 Day Notices to Pay or Vacate may be sufficient. Landlords and tenants are encouraged to consult legal counsel.

Community Housing Security Program

Included in the many impacts of the Covid pandemic was a loss of work and income, causing many tenants to fall into arrears on rent payments.

Senate Bill 5160 was passed to provide protections for tenants who were unable to pay rent and for landlords to access funds to cover lost rent.  Clallam and Jefferson  Counties have implemented SB 5160 by way of a Standing Order, to outline the process for landlords and tenants to work out repayment plans.

PDRC is confident that our services will bring people together to move forward. Indigent tenants are also entitled to free legal services.

Process Overview

  1. The ERPP 14 Day Notice is completed by the landlord and delivered to PDRC, at the same time as the tenant is served the Notice.
  2. PDRC attempts to contact the tenant to engage with the landlord in creating a repayment plan.
  3. PDRC will connect the tenant with legal and funding resources, as requested.
  4. PDRC will coordinate the scheduling of mediation, conciliation or other services, to include attorneys as elected by the clients.
  5. PDRC will prepare a certificate for the court to allow the landlord to proceed with an unlawful detainer or eviction if the tenant and landlord are unable to resolve the issues.
Mandatory ERPP Scenarios Flow Chart - 11-2-21

Community Partners

Tips for Facing Eviction

  1. STAY PUT AND DON’T PANIC! — Getting an eviction notice can be scary. We will work with you to try and keep you in your rental home using free resources that may be available.
  2. RESPOND TO EVICTION NOTICES! — Washington State has protections to help tenants. It is important to request legal help, free for those who qualify.
  3. ACCESS RESOURCES! — See the list of resources on this page for tenants and landlords. Contact PDRC at 360.452.8024
  4. START THE PROCESS WITH PDRC! — Contact Peninsula Dispute Resolution Center and ask to speak with an Eviction Resolution Specialist for information on the services available and to start the process.
  5. RENTAL RELIEF AND FUNDING — Based on program criteria and eligibility, there may be funding available for tenants and landlords.
  6. DOING NOTHING MAY CAUSE EVICTION! — PDRC will reach out to tenants after the landlord issues a 14 Day Notice to Evict.
    Failing to respond may allow the landlord to proceed to court with an eviction notice or Unlawful Detainer.

General Resources

Tenants

Landlords

Jefferson County Mandatory ERPP Notice and Resource Form
Clallam County Mandatory ERPP Notice and Resource Form