We know this is an unprecedented time of uncertainty and anxiety for landlords and residents alike. Many tenants are suffering from job losses, furloughs and reduced hours, presenting unique challenges for landlords to collect rent and pay their mortgage, taxes and insurance, property management expenses, maintenance and more. Fortunately, there is help available that you, as a landlord, can direct your tenants to in order to collect rent payments.
The eviction moratorium in Washington continues to be extended to varying degrees in the varying municipalities of Washington State and landlords are in a pinch. As a result of the economic landscape, the burden has fallen on you as a landlord to come alongside renters and help them get rent assistance funding that you can then collect.
Below are two main programs and 18 rent assistance programs that renters can utilize for rent aid in order to pay their lease.
If your tenants have lost their job(s), you can point them towards applying for state unemployment benefits. From there, you may consider working out a payment plan for their rent since it can take several weeks before any unemployment benefits are received by your tenants.
Starting in April of 2020, Congress enhanced state unemployment to provide more income and to cover more people due to Coronavirus, including the following:
Remind tenants that it is important to apply for unemployment as soon as possible. To help expedite aid, the federal government is funding the first week of benefits to encourage states to waive traditional waiting periods, but it may still take a couple of weeks to be processed. Some tenants may struggle finding access to a computer to complete the application and it would be to your benefit to assist them in that challenge if you are able.
United Way of King County, in collaboration with King County and the City of Seattle, announced they will provide one month of rental assistance to up to 2,000 area households to help them stay in their homes. Details (including the amount of assistance available) can be found at https://www.uwkc.org/renthelp/.
Let your tenants know about this program and that individuals are eligible if they
There's more you can do as a landlord during COVID-19, so here are some other tips for collecting rent during this pandemic in addition to 18 additional Housing Assistance Agencies listed below:
All Seattle Kids Home (206) 488-2692
Multi-lingual service focuses on families in imminent risk of homelessness. They can provide critical resources to help families remain in safe housing or find new housing.
Attain Housing 425-828-0489
Rent assistance is only available to households with dependent children under 18, and only to these cities: Kirkland, Woodinville, Bellevue, Redmond, Bothell, Kenmore, Sammamish, Issaquah, Duvall, Carnation.
Byrd Barr Place (206) 812-4940 / 722 18th Ave, Seattle
Byrd Barr Place is committed to preventing homelessness in Seattle. They can help avoid eviction with temporary rental assistance or connect you to housing resources.
Catholic Community Services (206) 328-5724
Offers King County residents emergency assistance. At most once per year, the non-profit provides move-in cost assistance, eviction prevention, emergency rent help, and limited motel and shelter vouchers.
El Centro De La Raza (206) 329-0786
Provides assistance for various types of housing emergencies.
Jewish Family Service (206) 861-8796
JFS provides services to people of all backgrounds as well as Jewish individuals and families. Financial assistance may be available for emergencies like eviction prevention, move-in costs such as first/last months’ rent and security deposits, medical expenses, past due utility bills, transportation, or school clothes.
LifeWire (425)746-1940
LifeWire helps victims of DV situations to assist with their rent. They’ll also help them with finding new housing and really work hard to prevent homelessness among DV victims and their children.
Neighborhood House 206-825-2581
Neighborhood House focuses on coaching people toward finding their own solutions and provides one-time rental and move-in assistance, landlord mediation, housing location, job training, placement and retention, and financial counseling. Our clients include those who live in the city of Seattle and are in danger of being evicted or are at risk of losing their utilities.
For more information, please contact Marilynn Harris at homelessnessprevention@nhwa.org or by phone at 206-825-2581. Referrals are taken the first week of every month.
Plymouth Housing Group (206) 374-9409 / 2113 3rd Avenue, Seattle
Provides permanent, supportive housing for single adults 18 years or older who are homeless or have income less than 30% of local median income.
Queen Anne Helpline (206) 282-1540
Provides limited emergency rent assistance to prevent eviction from homes and apartments.
Solid Ground. (206) 694-6767
Some limited one-time rental assistance is offered. However more extensive is free eviction counseling, and basically free advice for those who receive eviction notices. Also, get advice and support including information on tenants' rights and responsibilities.
Saint Vincent de Paul Financial Assistance (206) 767-6449 / 5950 4th Ave S, Seattle
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is one of the largest charity organizations in the country. They are committed to providing social services, resources and financial assistance across the United States. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul parish near you is a non-profit that offers a unique style of personal assistance with food, clothing, gasoline, medicine, rent, utilities, and transportation to people facing economic or emotional crises. People of all backgrounds and religions can get assistance.
Salvation Army - Veteran Men's Shelter (206) 447-9944 option 5 for Emergency Assistance / 811 Maynard Ave S, Seattle
Resources can help with housing needs, with a focus on preventing homelessness in the King County area. Some of the services can include eviction prevention, move-in and security deposit assistance, limited rent help, and utility bill assistance. Counseling services are provided at the same time. Any type of assistance paid out is by appointment only and may require an interview process. Zip codes they service: 98101, 98102, 98104, 98108 (excludes South Park) 98109, 98112, 98118, 98119, 98121, 98122, 98134, 98144, 98199.
United Churches Emergency Fund (206) 524-7885 / 4515 16th Ave NE, Seattle
Can offer emergency assistance up to once per year. Income limitations are in place. Call the program to get emergency financial assistance and referrals to non-profits.
Wellspring Family Services Housing Services (206) 902-4271 / 1900 Rainier Ave. S. Seattle
Offers programs including eviction prevention and rental assistance. Among other housing programs and services, the agency provides limited financial assistance and cash grants for low-income (50% or less of HUD income guidelines) and working poor individuals and families. In addition, speak to a counselor about housing stability services, advocacy, and eviction prevention programs.
West Seattle Helpline (206) 932 – 4357
Provides limited emergency rent assistance to prevent eviction from homes and apartments.
World Relief Seattle (253) 277-1121
Provides assistance for refugees and immigrants new to the USA.
YWCA (206) 461-4851
Hundreds of non-profit and charities are part of the YWCA or they work closely with the organization. The agency provides several services to women, their children, and families. Every year millions of people turn to the non-profit for help with child care, economic empowerment, employment, and assistance for domestic violence. The YWCA also supports veterans and their families.
Quality property management companies have already been working with tenants to find an assistance program that tenants qualify for if they have lost their income during Coronavirus. The Powell Property Management team is staying on top of changes to programs and Governor Inslee's mandates and recommendations so you don't have to. Request a property management quote and see if Powell Property Management is the best solution for you.