Legal and Tenant Help

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. Legal trouble can feel scary and confusing, but you have rights, and Washington has legal help for people with low incomes. You don't have to face it alone.

Here's the easy first step: outside King County, call the CLEAR hotline at 888.201.1014, weekdays 9:15 am to 12:15 pm. In King County, dial 211 for legal referrals. Facing eviction? Call 855.657.8387 any time.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise money, a bed or a spot in any program.
• This guide shares general information, not legal or medical advice.
• Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.

Where do I get legal help?

The Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is Washington's largest civil legal aid provider. It runs CLEAR, the statewide legal hotline for people with low incomes.

Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://nwjustice.org/clear-hotline/

• Outside King County, call CLEAR at 888.201.1014, weekdays 9:15 am to 12:15 pm.
• In King County, dial 211. 211 will refer you to the right legal aid provider.
• People 60 and older anywhere in Washington can call CLEAR*Sr at 888.387.7111.
• Facing foreclosure? Call 800.606.4819.
• You can also apply online through NJP.
• CLEAR focuses on basic needs like housing, income, health care and family safety.

What if I'm facing eviction?

• Call the Eviction Defense Screening Line at 855.657.8387, any time. Leave a message if staff are busy. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://nwjustice.org/eviction-help
• Many renters with low incomes may be able to get a lawyer. The screening line can tell you if you qualify. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=59.18
• Go to your hearing even if you don't have a lawyer yet, and ask the judge for time to get one.
• See Guide 3 for notices, deposits, repairs and rent increase rules.

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Deadlines matter

Court papers have deadlines. Mark the date on your phone and call for help right away!

Know your rights as a renter in Washington

Washington has rules for most rentals, about repairs, lockouts, ending a tenancy, rent increases, retaliation and fair housing. Check the details on the official page and decide what fits your situation. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=59.18

• If you think you were treated unfairly, contact the Human Rights Commission at 800.233.3247.

What about scams and consumer problems?

The Washington Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division takes complaints about scams, debt collectors, unfair business practices and more. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.atg.wa.gov/consumer-protection

• Call 800.551.4636, or 206.464.6684.
• You can file a complaint online.
• Washington Law Help has guides about debt, collections and garnishment.

Knowing your rights is powerful. You have a voice, and the law is there for you too.

From the Bunklow team

What about family law, benefits and debt?

• Family law. Washington Law Help has forms and guides on divorce, custody and child support. Courthouse facilitators in many counties help people without lawyers with family law forms. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://ocla.wa.gov/find-legal-help
• Benefits. If DSHS or another agency denies or cuts your benefits, you can ask for a hearing. Deadlines apply, so read your letter carefully.
• Debt. Some money may be protected from garnishment. CLEAR and Washington Law Help can explain your options.
• Immigration. The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project gives immigration legal help: 800.445.5771. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://ocla.wa.gov/find-legal-help

Can I clear my record?

Some criminal records in Washington can be vacated or sealed, and some legal financial obligations can be reduced. Washington Law Help has guides and forms.

Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/

• Clearing a record can help with jobs and housing.
• Ask CLEAR or a local legal aid office if you qualify.

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Keep copies of everything

Make copies or take photos of every legal paper you get or send. Keep them together in one folder!

Going to court: what to expect

Court can feel scary. Knowing what to expect helps.

• Get there early. Leave time to find parking, go through security and find your courtroom.
• Bring all your papers, plus copies.
• Many Washington courts allow some hearings by video or phone. Read your notice, or call the court clerk to ask.
• Ask for an interpreter ahead of time if you need one. Courts provide interpreters.
• Speak to the judge calmly, and say "Your Honor."
• If you don't understand something, it's okay to say so and ask.

Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/

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Ask for more time

If you need time to find a lawyer, you can ask the judge. Be polite and explain who you've called!

Words to know

How 211 works in Washington

Washington 211 is a statewide line that connects you to local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://wa211.org/

• Dial 211 from most phones. You can also search the resource database at wa211.org.
• Tell the specialist your county or ZIP code and what you need most today.
• Ask for interpreters if you need one.
• In many counties, 211 is also the front door to Coordinated Entry, the system that matches people to shelter and housing programs.
• Write down every name, number and program they give you, so you can call back.

Staying safe while you get help

Your safety comes first, always.

• If you're in danger right now, call 911. You can text 911 in many parts of Washington if calling isn't safe. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://mil.wa.gov/911
• If you're thinking about suicide or you're in crisis, call or text 988 any time. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://988lifeline.org/
• Never give your Social Security number, EBT PIN or bank details to someone who contacts you first.
• Real programs won't ask you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers or crypto. Report scams to the Washington Attorney General at 800.551.4636. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.atg.wa.gov/consumer-protection
• Meet new people in public places, and tell someone you trust where you're going.

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Trust your gut

If something feels off, it's okay to walk away and ask someone you trust before you sign or pay anything!

Your rights when you ask for help

• You can ask for an interpreter when you apply for state benefits. Ask for one in your language.
• You can ask for reasonable accommodations if you have a disability.
• Washington law bans discrimination in housing, jobs and public places. If you were treated unfairly, contact the Washington State Human Rights Commission at 800.233.3247. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.hum.wa.gov/
• If DSHS denies or cuts your benefits, you can ask for a hearing. Read your letter for the deadline. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.dshs.wa.gov/office-locations
• There's no shame in asking. Asking for help is a smart, brave step.

Questions people ask a lot

Who can I call in my county?

The places below are grouped from statewide help down to county help. Washington has 39 counties, and we list some of the largest.

If your county isn't here, dial 211, and they'll connect you to help where you live.

Washington

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

King County (Seattle)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Pierce County (Tacoma)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Snohomish County (Everett)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Clark County (Vancouver)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Spokane County (Spokane)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Thurston County (Olympia)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Kitsap County (Bremerton)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Yakima County (Yakima)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Whatcom County (Bellingham)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Benton and Franklin Counties (Tri-Cities)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Other Washington counties

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My legal plan

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

My appointments and notes

Keep track of where you need to be and what people told you. Bring this page to every appointment.

Key numbers to keep

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Please let me know if you have any questions

If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up. Please share it with anyone who could use it. We don't run these programs. We don't manage properties. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 21, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 21, 2026