Washington LawHelp

The Basics (11)+

• Are You a Reverse Mortgage Non-Borrowing Spouse? Tips to Help You Remain in Your Home

  When a reverse mortgage becomes due and payable, that means the full balance must be paid back or the lender will foreclose. If a non-borrowing spouse is still living in the home, certain steps must be taken quickly after the borrower’s death (or before). Read More

  By:

  National Consumer Law Center

• Explore Loan Workout Solutions with Your Lender

  If you can keep your mortgage current, do so. But if you cannot, read this to find out if you qualify for a loan workout option. Check with your lender to see which option may be available. Read More

  By:

  U.S. Department of Housing

• Facing Foreclosure?

  Facing foreclosure? Scammers are targeting people having trouble paying their mortgages. Some claim to be able to "rescue" homeowners from foreclosures, while others promise loan modifications - for a fee. The Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, wants you to know how to avoid scams that could make your housing situation go from bad to worse. Read More

  By:

  Federal Trade Commission

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Filing a Complaint with the Utilities and Transportation Committee

  If you have a dispute with your utility company, first try to resolve it with the company. Ask for a supervisor. If you still cannot resolve the issue, use the online complaint form linked here to file a complaint regarding your utility service. Read More

  By:

  Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Foreclosure When You Have a Deed of Trust

  If your house is in foreclosure, your best chance to keep your home is to act quickly and with the help of a housing counselor or a lawyer. Both can help you evaluate available options to help save your home from foreclosure. #6704EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Foreclosure when You Have a Mortgage

  Read this if you have a mortgage AND your house is in foreclosure OR you might fall behind in your payments on the home you are buying. #6702EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Guide to Avoiding Foreclosure

  Whether you are in foreclosure now or worried about it in the future, this information can help. Read More

  By:

  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Information for Military Personnel Regarding Mortgage Relief and Foreclosure Protection

  Information about payment relief and protection from foreclosure provided by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (formerly known as The Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940) Read More

  By:

  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

• Property Tax Exemption for Seniors and People with Disabilities

  This is a way to lower your property taxes by exempting (excusing you from) all extra levies, like school construction bonds and other levies passed by voters, and sometimes part of regular levies on your home. #6230EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Washington Foreclosure Prevention Resource Guide

  Practical tools, information and resources to help homeowners dealing with foreclosure issues. Read More

  By:

  Foreclosure Prevention Action Team

• What are My Rights During Foreclosure?

  Explains the foreclosure timeline and your rights during this process. #6710EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

Foreclosure Mediation (1)+

• Foreclosure Mediation

  This resource is for homeowners who have already been referred to foreclosure mediation by an attorney or a housing counselor. The following information is intended to help prepare homeowners for their mediation, and explain the foreclosure mediation process. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

Property tax (2)+

• Options to Avoid Property Tax Foreclosure

  If you have received notice in the mail, posted on your door, or delivered to you that says your home or your property is “subject to foreclosure,” “in foreclosure,” or will be “sold at auction” because of unpaid taxes, you may be able to stop or delay the foreclosure and sale of your home. #6235EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• Property Tax Exemption for Seniors and People with Disabilities

  This is a way to lower your property taxes by exempting (excusing you from) all extra levies, like school construction bonds and other levies passed by voters, and sometimes part of regular levies on your home. #6230EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

Utilities (4)+

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Extra Help paying Your Heating Bill

  If you already get help from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to pay your heating bill, you can now get an additional $500 to help you through this pandemic. Read More

  By:

  Washington State Department of Commerce

• Filing a Complaint with the Utilities and Transportation Committee

  If you have a dispute with your utility company, first try to resolve it with the company. Ask for a supervisor. If you still cannot resolve the issue, use the online complaint form linked here to file a complaint regarding your utility service. Read More

  By:

  Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Public Utilities

  General information about your rights when dealing with public utilities. #0700EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Smart Consumer Guide: Public Utility Service

  Describes consumer rights relating to telephone, natural gas, electricity and water services. Read More

  By:

  Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission