Eviction Defense

Appointed Counsel Summary

In 2021, the Legislature enacted S.B. 5160, which has been partially codified as RCW 59.18.640, thereby bringing significant changes to landlord-tenant and eviction law in Washington State. RCW 59.18.640 established the right to appointed counsel tenant defense for indigent tenants in unlawful detainer cases and entrusted the Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) with its implementation. The appointed counsel tenant defense program has been successfully implemented for over two full years. Appointed Counsel services are provided statewide by 11 legal aid organization and 3 private attorneys/law firms.

Pre-Filing Eviction Defense Summary 

The Office of Civil Legal Aid funds and oversees a small group of legal aid organizations providing pre-filing eviction defense representation to individuals who are not yet eligible for appointed counsel under RCW 59.18.640. These legal aid organizations provide effective, equity-informed civil legal aid services to low-income tenants who are at risk of displacement or eviction. These services include outreach, legal clinics, court coordination, and full representation in cases.

Overview: RTC and Pre-RTC Program Overview

• Right to Counsel Data Dashboard (At a Glance)
• Right to Counsel Data Dashboard (Full) - coming soon!
• Pre-Right to Counsel Data Dashboard - coming soon!
  • *stats*
• Final Implementation Report
• University of Washington report

OCLA RTC Implementation Memos to Superior Court Judges Association, Clerks, and Court Administrations

Memo No. 13

Memo No. 12

Memo No. 11

Memo No. 10.1

Memo No. 10

Memo No. 9

Memo No. 8

Memo No. 7

Memo No. 6

Memo No. 5

Memo No. 4

Memo No. 3

Memo No. 2

Memo No. 1

Seattle University Housing Justice Collective

OCLA underwrites Gonzaga University Law Student Internships for Tenant Defense