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Format
The Basics (24)
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Your Rights as a Tenant in Washington State
Explains residential tenants and landlords' rights and responsibilities in Washington. #6300EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
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Can My Landlord Do That?
General information about what a landlord legally can and cannot do to a tenant. #6306EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Amharic / አማርኛ
- Arabic / العربية
- Spanish / Español
- Hindi / हिन्दी
- Cambodian / Khmer
- Korean / 한국어
- Laotian / ພາສາລາວ
- Marshallese / Kajin M̧ajeļ
- Mandarin Chinese / 官話
- Punjabi / ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- Russian / Pусский
- Samoan / Gagana Samoa
- Somali / Soomaali
- Tagalog / Pilipino
- Ukrainian / Українська
- Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
- Chinese / 中文
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I am having problems with my landlord
If you are a renter having problems with your landlord, learn some tips, where to get additional legal information, and where to go if you need legal help. #6336EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Landlord/Tenant Issues for Domestic Violence Survivors
Learn about how the law can protect you if you are a tenant AND a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, unlawful harassment or stalking. #6304EN Read More
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Can I change the date my rent is due?
You can now ask your landlord to change the date your rent is due. Learn why you might want to do this, and how to do it. #6343EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Video - Virtual Q&A: Eviction Moratoriums for Tenants & Manufactured/Mobile Homeowners
Washington's eviction moratorium was extended. What does that mean for tenants and what happens after? NJP attorneys answer questions about rent, evictions and other issues facing tenants during the COVID-19 crisis. Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Information for Tenants
Help understanding Landlord-Tenant laws and tools and tips for renters. Content Detail
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Rental Assistance: If You Cannot Pay Your Rent
Steps to take and who to call if you cannot pay your rent. Content Detail
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Tenants' Rights: Moving Out
If you are a tenant thinking about moving out of your rental, know your rights and responsibilities. #6371EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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My Landlord Enters My Rental Unit Without My Permission
Find out what you can do if your landlord comes in and out of the rental unit, without written notice or asking permission. #6325EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
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I live in a trailer, motor home, or fifth wheel in an RV park. I pay rent for the lot. Do I have rights?
Find out when you might have additional legal rights if you live in an RV you own in a manufactured/mobile home park where you rent the lot. Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
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My Landlord Locked Me Out: What Can I Do?
Find what you can do if you got locked out even if you had no intention of moving. #6316EN Read More
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Tenants: New Legal Protection from Discrimination Based on Source of Income
Find out how makes it is illegal for landlords in Washington state to discriminate against tenants and would-be tenants based on their source of income, and what you can do if it happens to you. #6323EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
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My Landlord Shut Off My Utilities!
Find out what you can do if your landlord just shut off your utilities to try to force you to move. #6318EN Read More
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Tenants Can Now Pay Most Move-In Costs in Installments
State law now lets tenants pay certain move-in costs on a payment plan. #6344EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Reasonable Accommodations & Modifications: A Guide for Residents with Disabilities
A guidebook for rental applicants and residents, and members of condominiums and homeowner associations, to understand the reasonable accommodation and modification process. 8408EN Read More
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Tenants' Rights: My Place has been Condemned
Find out your options if your landlord has been notified that your rental home will be condemned or will be unlawful to occupy. #6384EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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I am a Tenant Living in a Foreclosed Property. What are My Rights?
Read this if you rent your home, and your home was sold at a foreclosure sale. #6122EN Read More
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Sexual Harassment in Housing is Illegal
Sexual harassment by landlords and property managers is illegal! Tenants in this US Dept. of Justice video bravely share their stories about being harassed in their home by landlords. Read More
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I need to respond to an eviction lawsuit as soon as possible
If you got legal papers from your landlord called a Summons and Complaint for Unlawful Detainer, read this and try to talk to a lawyer right away. #6309EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
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A Guide for Immigrants, Limited English Persons and Their Advocates to Federally Subsidized Housing
A detailed guide for immigrants and non-English speakers to federally subsidized housing programs. #8151EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
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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. Content Detail
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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How do I Sue in Small Claims Court?
In Small Claims Court, you can sue for up to $10,000. This is meant to be a quick, cheap way to resolve a dispute you could not otherwise settle. It is not complicated. Lawyers generally cannot take part. There are no juries, motions or objections. There is only a small charge for filing a lawsuit. You can get a trial date much sooner than in other courts. Most trials last about 20 minutes. #9940EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Webinar: Eviction Moratoriums for Tenants & Manufactured/Mobile Homeowners
Do you have questions about Washington's eviction moratorium (scheduled to end October 15) or the federal CDC moratorium and other changes affecting renters? Join us for a free live Q&A webinar where NJP attorneys will answer questions about rent and rent assistance, the eviction process and other issues facing tenants during the COVID-19 crisis. Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
After a Death (1)
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When a Tenant Who Lives Alone Dies
Read this if you rent your house, manufactured home, or apartment (dwelling unit) from a landlord and are the sole occupant of the dwelling unit OR someone has designated you to take care of their things in their rental unit after they die. #6301EN Read More
Deposits / Damages Claims (5)
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I’ve Moved Out. My Former Landlord Says I Owe Damages.
It is important to dispute in writing damages you are not responsible for. Sample letters to the landlord included. #6372EN Read More
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Deposits
General information about the rental deposit process and links to applicable laws and related resources. Content Detail
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Tenants Can Now Pay Most Move-In Costs in Installments
State law now lets tenants pay certain move-in costs on a payment plan. #6344EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Getting Your Security Deposit Back
Advice and instructions on how to get your security deposit back from your landlord. Learn the difference between damages the landlord can charge you for versus normal wear and tear. Includes forms you can use. #6370EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Letter to Landlord for Return of a Security Deposit
Do-it-yourself forms and instructions on LawHelp Interactive. Use this program if you did not get or only partially got a refund of your rental security deposit from a previous landlord and wish to send a demand letter requesting that it be returned to you. Read More
Evictions about owing rent (6)
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Should I enter into a rent repayment plan with my landlord?
If you couldn't pay rent that was due during the pandemic, learn why and how to ask your landlord for a repayment plan. #6341EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Amharic / አማርኛ
- Arabic / العربية
- Spanish / Español
- Hindi / हिन्दी
- Cambodian / Khmer
- Korean / 한국어
- Marshallese / Kajin M̧ajeļ
- Mandarin Chinese / 官話
- Punjabi / ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- Russian / Pусский
- Samoan / Gagana Samoa
- Somali / Soomaali
- Tagalog / Pilipino
- Ukrainian / Українська
- Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
- Chinese / 中文
-
Can I change the date my rent is due?
You can now ask your landlord to change the date your rent is due. Learn why you might want to do this, and how to do it. #6343EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
-
Video - Virtual Q&A: Eviction Moratoriums for Tenants & Manufactured/Mobile Homeowners
Washington's eviction moratorium was extended. What does that mean for tenants and what happens after? NJP attorneys answer questions about rent, evictions and other issues facing tenants during the COVID-19 crisis. Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
-
Rental Assistance: If You Cannot Pay Your Rent
Steps to take and who to call if you cannot pay your rent. Content Detail
-
I need to respond to an eviction lawsuit as soon as possible
If you got legal papers from your landlord called a Summons and Complaint for Unlawful Detainer, read this and try to talk to a lawyer right away. #6309EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
-
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Residential tenants in Olympia who cannot pay rent temporarily protected from eviction
Under an emergency City of Olympia ordinance (law), Olympia landlords cannot evict residential tenants who cannot pay rent for COVID-19-related reasons through July 2021. Content Detail
Housing Search / Denials (7)
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Tenant Screening: Your Rights
If you are looking for an apartment or house to rent, read this to learn about state law regarding tenant screening. #6302EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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My Landlord is Discriminating Against Me
Read this to learn what your options are. #6324EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
-
Tenants: New Legal Protection from Discrimination Based on Source of Income
Find out how makes it is illegal for landlords in Washington state to discriminate against tenants and would-be tenants based on their source of income, and what you can do if it happens to you. #6323EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
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Housing Search
How to prepare for a housing search. Includes links to sites that list available housing units. Content Detail
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Seattle’s Source of Income Protection Ordinance
Learn more about this ordinance, which prohibits discrimination against renters who use subsidies or alternative sources of income, such as Social Security or child support to pay for their housing costs. Content Detail
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Public Housing Grievance Procedure
Public housing tenants: Learn more about your right to appeal many decisions or actions taken by the Housing Authority. #6105EN Read More
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Section 515 Rural Rental Housing Tenant Grievance and Appeals Procedure
As a tenant living in an apartment complex financed by the Rural Housing Service (formerly the Farmers Home Administration), you have the right to appeal many decisions you disagree with that are made by your landlord through the agency's tenant grievance and appeals procedure. #6119EN Read More
Moving In / Reading Your Lease (3)
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Your Rights as a Tenant in Washington State
Explains residential tenants and landlords' rights and responsibilities in Washington. #6300EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
-
Can I change the date my rent is due?
You can now ask your landlord to change the date your rent is due. Learn why you might want to do this, and how to do it. #6343EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
-
Tenants Can Now Pay Most Move-In Costs in Installments
State law now lets tenants pay certain move-in costs on a payment plan. #6344EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
Moving Out (5)
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I’ve Moved Out. My Former Landlord Says I Owe Damages.
It is important to dispute in writing damages you are not responsible for. Sample letters to the landlord included. #6372EN Read More
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Video - Can I Break My Rental Agreement?
Learn about different types of rental agreements and the responsibilities of a tenant who wants to move. Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Deposits
General information about the rental deposit process and links to applicable laws and related resources. Content Detail
-
Getting Your Security Deposit Back
Advice and instructions on how to get your security deposit back from your landlord. Learn the difference between damages the landlord can charge you for versus normal wear and tear. Includes forms you can use. #6370EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
-
Letter to Landlord for Return of a Security Deposit
Do-it-yourself forms and instructions on LawHelp Interactive. Use this program if you did not get or only partially got a refund of your rental security deposit from a previous landlord and wish to send a demand letter requesting that it be returned to you. Read More
Problems with Landlords (11)
-
Can My Landlord Do That?
General information about what a landlord legally can and cannot do to a tenant. #6306EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Amharic / አማርኛ
- Arabic / العربية
- Spanish / Español
- Hindi / हिन्दी
- Cambodian / Khmer
- Korean / 한국어
- Laotian / ພາສາລາວ
- Marshallese / Kajin M̧ajeļ
- Mandarin Chinese / 官話
- Punjabi / ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- Russian / Pусский
- Samoan / Gagana Samoa
- Somali / Soomaali
- Tagalog / Pilipino
- Ukrainian / Українська
- Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
- Chinese / 中文
-
Can I change the date my rent is due?
You can now ask your landlord to change the date your rent is due. Learn why you might want to do this, and how to do it. #6343EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
-
Tenant Screening: Your Rights
If you are looking for an apartment or house to rent, read this to learn about state law regarding tenant screening. #6302EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
-
My Landlord Enters My Rental Unit Without My Permission
Find out what you can do if your landlord comes in and out of the rental unit, without written notice or asking permission. #6325EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
-
If you are a renter who has or might have Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out what rights you might have around being able to stay in your rental if you have or have been exposed to COVID-19. #6339EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Tenants: If You Need Repairs
Learn about a landlord's responsibility to make repairs and what you can do to enforce your right to live in a safe home. #6330EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
-
My Landlord is Discriminating Against Me
Read this to learn what your options are. #6324EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
-
Tenant Services: Repairs
Learn about landlords' obligations under state law to keep your unit safe and livable. Content Detail
-
Tenants: New Legal Protection from Discrimination Based on Source of Income
Find out how makes it is illegal for landlords in Washington state to discriminate against tenants and would-be tenants based on their source of income, and what you can do if it happens to you. #6323EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
-
My Landlord Shut Off My Utilities!
Find out what you can do if your landlord just shut off your utilities to try to force you to move. #6318EN Read More
-
Seattle’s Source of Income Protection Ordinance
Learn more about this ordinance, which prohibits discrimination against renters who use subsidies or alternative sources of income, such as Social Security or child support to pay for their housing costs. Content Detail
Repairs / Mold / Bedbugs (5)
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Mold & Indoor Air Quality
Learn what a landlord's responsibilities are if you have mold problems. Content Detail
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Tenants: If You Need Repairs
Learn about a landlord's responsibility to make repairs and what you can do to enforce your right to live in a safe home. #6330EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
-
Tenant Services: Repairs
Learn about landlords' obligations under state law to keep your unit safe and livable. Content Detail
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Bed Bugs & Pest Infestations
Find out what to do if you have bed bugs or a pest infestation in your rental. Content Detail
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The Warranty of Habitability: When You Rent a Place that is not Safe to Live In
The warranty of habitability is a legal concept. It holds that in renting a place to you, the landlord makes an unspoken promise (warranty) that it is safe to live in. If it turns out not to be, the landlord has violated (broken) the warranty. #6340EN Read More
Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellingham, Aberdeen Tenants (8)
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Seattle’s Source of Income Protection Ordinance
Learn more about this ordinance, which prohibits discrimination against renters who use subsidies or alternative sources of income, such as Social Security or child support to pay for their housing costs. Content Detail
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City of Vancouver Tenants: New Protection against Being Turned Down for a Rental Unit
Under a new Vancouver city ordinance (law) Vancouver Municipal Code (VMC) 8.45, a landlord may not refuse to rent to you based on the source of your income. #6322EN Read More
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City of Vancouver Month-to-Month Tenants: New Right to 60-Day Notice to Vacate
A new city ordinance (law) gives you the right to more notice from the landlord if s/he wants to end your tenancy and have you move. Vancouver Municipal Code (VMC) 8.47. Read More
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City of Vancouver Tenants: New Right to 45-Day Notice of Your Rent Going Up
If you are a tenant (you rent your dwelling unit) in the City of Vancouver, Washington, a new city ordinance (law) gives you the right to more notice from the landlord if s/he decides to raise your rent by ten percent (10%) or more. #6320EN Read More
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City of Aberdeen Tenants: Information about the New Rental Registration and Inspection Program (RRIP)
The RRIP requires all landlords to register their properties with the City and have them inspected at least once every 3 years. #6327EN Read More
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Bellingham Tenants Have More Rights under New City Law
Under new Bellingham city laws, a landlord must give you 60 days' notice of a large rent increase and 60 days for a no-cause notice to vacate. #6326EN Read More
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Tacoma Rental Housing Code Flyer
On November 20, 2018, the Tacoma City Council passed the Rental Housing Code providing protections for tenants and specific guidance to landlords who operate residential rental businesses in Tacoma. The Rental Housing Code also includes a provision for housing relocation assistance to qualifying tenants and allows the City to investigate complaints and enforce the code. Content Detail
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Tacoma Tenants Have More Rights under New Laws
If you are a tenant (you rent the place where you live) in Tacoma, Washington, new Tacoma laws give you certain rights. This explains the laws. Read More
Section 8 and other subsidized housing (5)
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Video - Help for Domestic Violence Victims Living in Federally Subsidized or Public Housing
Watch this video to learn your rights under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) if you live in federally subsidized housing or have a Section 8 voucher. This video covers federal laws, so the information is true no matter what state you live in. Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Protecting Your Section 8 Voucher
A detailed explanation of your responsibilities under the Section 8 Voucher program, and what rights you have if the Housing Authority (HA) tries to cut off your voucher. #6113EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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A Guide for Immigrants, Limited English Persons and Their Advocates to Federally Subsidized Housing
A detailed guide for immigrants and non-English speakers to federally subsidized housing programs. #8151EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
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Evictions from Public Housing (Housing Owned by a Housing Authority)
If you live in a Public Housing Project, the eviction process from Public Housing is a little different from the process for tenants with private landlords. #6102EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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How to Fight a Denial or Termination of Eligibility for the Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) Referral Program for Medical Reasons
This program can provide non-cash help for people who are unable to work. You must meet income and incapacity requirements. Find out what you can do if DSHS denies or terminates your eligibility for the program. Publication #7813EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
Utilities (3)
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My Landlord Shut Off My Utilities!
Find out what you can do if your landlord just shut off your utilities to try to force you to move. #6318EN Read More
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Public Utilities
General information about your rights when dealing with public utilities. #0700EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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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. Content Detail
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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