top of page

Eviction Resolution Pilot Program

The Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP) brought tenants with rent owed and landlords together with a professionally trained, impartial mediator to help them resolve conflicts regarding rent owed. The ERPP was established by the state legislature as a two-year mandatory pilot operating statewide from November 1, 2021, to June 30, 2023.

​

During that time, Dispute Resolution Centers (DRCs) statewide directly served more than 200,000 tenants and landlords. 94% of tenancies were preserved, where outcomes were known. 


DRCs across Washington continue to offer free or affordable voluntary mediation services to resolve many types of housing issues outside of court. Learn more here.

During the ERPP Nov 2021 - June 2023:

 

More than 90,000 cases were closed and completed

72% of mediations reached agreements 

94% of cases preserved tenancy*

(*when outcomes are known)

“The Eviction Resolution Pilot Program played a major role in preventing evictions for non-payment of rent. . . Less than ten respondents reported their evictions were prevented by working with an eviction attorney, negotiating a repayment plan directly with their landlord or property manager or by going to court with the outcome in their favor.” -- Thurston County Rent Assistance Survey 2023, Thurston County Public Health

The ERPP Supported Stable Housing and Access to Justice

Working with a trained eviction resolution specialist at DRCs, thousands of renters and landlords decided how to resolve disputes based on their own financial, legal, and personal needs. The landlord and tenant were supported to access rental assistance to repay the rent owed, work out a plan for the tenant to pay the rent owed over time, or create a plan to move out without court action. ERPP services were offered for free and regardless of immigration status.

 

The ERPP process supported housing stability for all Washingtonians as a program that:

  • was trauma-informed and equity-based

  • was served by highly trained, impartial dispute resolution specialists and mediators

  • encouraged joint problem-solving

  • reduced conflict in our communities and encouraged mutual understanding

  • provided skills and perspective to participants, regardless of resolution

  • provided access to justice outside of court 

  • supported a reduction in eviction dockets at a time of high demand on court resources after the statewide and various local eviction moratoriums lifted 

  • answered the call from our state to help stabilizing housing during the pandemic along with rental assistance and legal resources supported by the state

​

“Without (the ERPP) we would have become homeless and unable to get ahead with our bills.”

- Tenant who participated in the ERPP

“The ERPP process and opportunity to mediate with our tenant saved us time and thousands of dollars in court costs.”

- Property manager who participated in the ERPP

Menu

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Language Assistance
Language assistance services and interpreters are available to you free of charge. Call your local Dispute Resolution Center.

Why DRC mediation?

​

DRCs reduce the burdens of the courts, saving taxpayers money, and increasing access to justice for traditionally underserved populations. In 2025 DRCs completed statewide 5,779 mediation and dispute resolution cases, 57% of which reached agreements. 85% of clients reported mediation improved their situation. DRCs trained 26,175 community members in 2025.

​

Annually DRCs utilize over $1.6 million worth of volunteer hours and directly serve over 87,500 people, their families and others whose lives are positively affected by mediation and other services and reach out to Washington residents statewide.

© Resolution Washington | The member association for Dispute Resolution Centers (DRCs) in Washington State

bottom of page