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Provides financial assistance to tenants who have been informed by their landlords of any housing cost increase totaling 10% or more within the same 12 month period and the tenant decides to move. The City will process tenant applications and advance payment of three times the current monthly housing cost to eligible households. All rental housing cost increases in Seattle require 180 days advance written notice. When an increase equals or exceeds 10% in a 12 month period, by a single increase or multiple increases, landlords must attach an EDRA notice that informs tenants about the program.

Takes complaints and investigates situations that include: - Accumulation of junk and debris - Clearing or grading without permits - Construction without a permit - Dangerous or open-to-entry buildings - Illegally placed mobile homes or factory-assembled structures - Irresponsible or hazardous development - Livestock infractions - Open wells and other hazardous conditions - Operation of an illegal business - Storage of junk cars - Zoning code infractions Investigates possible code violations.    Operates a 24-hour telephone hotline for reports of serious violations of environmental laws during off hours. The hotline allows staff to react and halt damage.

Provides landlords with an incentive and added security to work with tenants receiving rental assistance. Offers up to $1,000 to the landlord in reimbursement for some potentially required move-in upgrades, up to 14 days rent loss and up to $5,000 in qualifying damages caused by a tenant during tenancy. Damages include (but are not limited to) physical damage to a property beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent and charges associated with tenancy, including late charges, non-compliance charges, legal expenses and utility charges. Any claim that is submitted for move-out charges must first have the security deposit applied to the charges owed first.

Offers information and resources for rental housing providers and manufactured housing community owners on topics such as tenant screening, rental forms, rent recovery, marketing, maintenance, legal resources, a glossary of housing terms and information on government/subsidized rental housing.

Operates legal clinics providing free 30 minute consultations with an attorney at multiple locations across King County. As of 9/2024, most clinics are telephonic, but there may be limited in-person availability in Seattle and Kent. Details will be provided to clients during intake screening. Clinic attorneys can: - Determine whether the client has a legal problem - Suggest possible options - Help answer papers, summons and requests - Provide appropriate referrals Neighborhood Legal Clinic attorneys may not have expertise in all areas of the law, but they will make every attempt to answer questions accurately. Attorneys CANNOT give advice on criminal legal issues or provide representation on any legal matters.

Operates a legal clinic providing a free 30-minute consultation with an attorney (60 minutes if an interpreter or other accommodation is needed) Clinic is open to all, but particular focus is on providing culturally-informed legal services in a safe and welcoming environment to individuals who identify as African American or Black. This clinic is staffed primarily by attorneys of color. Clinic attorneys can: -  Determine whether the client has a legal problem -  Suggest possible options -  Help answer papers, summons and requests -  Provide appropriate referrals   Neighborhood Legal Clinic attorneys may not have expertise in all areas of the law, but they will make every attempt to answer questions accurately. Attorneys CANNOT give advice on criminal legal issues or provide representation on any legal matters.

Operates legal clinics providing free 30 minute consultations with an attorney. Focus is on Korean and Korean-speaking clients. Clinic attorneys can: -  Determine whether the client has a legal problem -  Suggest possible options -  Help answer papers, summons and requests -  Provide appropriate referrals   Neighborhood legal clinic attorneys may not have expertise in all areas of the law, but they will make every attempt to answer questions accurately. Attorneys CANNOT give advice on criminal legal issues or provide representation on any legal matters.

Chinese Information and Service Center, Asian Bar Association of Washington, and Asian Counseling and Referral Service partner with the King County Bar Association to provide a free legal clinic. Pro bono attorneys work with staff and volunteer interpreters to give consultation and legal advice around family law, immigration law, landlord-tenant disputes, employment law, and other areas. As of 9/2024, most consults are virtual but in-person appointments may be available if needed (more information provided to clients during intake phone call). Call (206) 957-8544 for an appointment. Appointments are typically Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 PM. International District Legal Clinic Chinese Information and Services Center 611 S Lane St. Seattle, WA 98144

Requires landlords to offer tenants, early notice and, for low income-tenants, relocation assistance if tenants must move out of their rental unit due to: - The unit being torn down or renovated   - The unit's use being changed - The unit being illegal - The landlord being required to reduce the number of unrelated tenants living there - The unit being ordered vacated and closed   - Emergency conditions caused by the landlord.   Relocation assistance is paid directly to the tenant.   Also requires landlords to give a reason for asking a tenant to move.

Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) housing and zoning inspectors respond to complaints about:   -  Minimum housing standards -  Land use violations -  Shorelines -  "Just cause" eviction -  Vacant and unfit buildings -  Lock-outs -  Rent increases without proper notice -  Landlord or property manager retaliation -  Landlord or property manager entering a unit without both notice and consent -  Prohibiting tenant organizing -  Landlord or property manager harassment Health and safety are the department's first priorities for investigation and resolution of reported violations.    Health concerns include tenant complaints about conditions that may cause mold in rental units, such as excessive moisture. Seattle’s Housing and Building Maintenance Code (HBMC) contains requirements designed to keep building occupants dry and warm. In a building maintained in compliance with code requirements, all components of the building including foundation, roof, walls and windows are reasonably weather tight, watertight and damp-free.   SDCI conducts inspections of the property named in the complaint and contacts the landlord. SDCI sets a time frame for voluntary resolution.   Code compliance specialists will take cases that violate housing codes, and will require rescission of bad eviction notices and correction of unsafe or unpermitted housing conditions. The law department will eventually sue violators if necessary. Also performs investigations of illegal evictions.   New enforcement for leases entered into after 1/15/17. Refer if: -  The landlord requires security deposit/nonrefundable move-in fees that are more than first month's rent   -  The landlord requires nonrefundable move-in fees other than for tenant screening report, cleaning at termination of tenancy, criminal background check, or credit report   -  The landlord requires a pet deposit that is more than 25% of first month's rent or any other pet fee/rent -  The landlord refuses to enter payment plan for security deposit/nonrefundable move-in fees, pet deposit, or last month's rent -  The deposit not returned and no move-in checklist was signed by landlord and tenant at move-in -  No statement of deposit or deposit returned 21 days after tenant moved out   Advance notice may be needed for an interpreter.

Provides legal education materials and tools that give basic information on a number of legal problems, and in some cases, detailed instructions and forms to help with self-representation. Provides information on free legal aid programs in Washington, including basic eligibility and contact information. Topics include family law, housing, domestic violence and anti-harassment, immigration, civil rights, consumer and debt, government benefits, health, youth law and education, employment/farm worker rights, Native American issues, and some criminal law issues, including record expungement and victim's rights.

Hosts a legal clinic specifically designed to address the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and couples. This clinic is run by QLaw Foundation in partnership with the King County Bar Association. The clinic is open to everyone regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. At the clinic, an attorney will meet with clients for 30 minutes and provide individualized legal advice and information. Clinic attorneys will answer questions and provide information in a variety of areas including family law, immigration, debt and bankruptcy, divorce/dissolution, employment discrimination, and transgender legal issues.

Provides free 45-minute to 1-hour appointments with an attorney for advice on civil legal issues such as: consumer, finance/debt, employment, housing, benefits. Appointments are required. Clinics are currently telephonic. Attorneys at the clinic are not able to provide representation.

Provides free civil legal services for youth and young adults between ages 12-24 who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Enforces several ordinances of the city of Auburn. Ensures that the proper permits have been issued for construction of projects, land clearing, grading and filing of property, placement of signs, and that businesses are operating in compliance with the City of Auburn Zoning Code.   Common violations include the following: -  Overgrown grass and weeds -  Junk accumulation -  Vegetation encroachment -  Trash, litter and debris -  Inoperable vehicles -  Illegal parking -  Graffiti -  Nuisance Animals -  Operating a business without a license   Taking enforcement action may be in the form of fines, penalties and challenges in obtaining permits or licenses in the future. Staff conducts routine inspections throughout the city to note the condition of residences and businesses.