Evictions from Public Housing (Housing Owned by a Housing Authority)

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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

Please Note:

*Washington's laws affecting renters have changed as of July 23, 2023. Please read 2023 changes to Washington State's laws affecting renters.

 

*Renters with low incomes may be appointed a lawyer free of charge before a court may proceed with an eviction. Call our Eviction Defense Screening line at 1-855-657-8387 or apply online at
nwjustice.org/apply-online to find out if you qualify.

 

*You can find all the fact sheets we link to here at WashingtonLawHelp.org.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes, you should read this if you live in a Public Housing Project. You will learn about the eviction process from Public Housing. It is a little different from the process for tenants with private landlords. You have rights that tenants in other kinds of housing may not have.

Usually you can tell that you are in Public Housing because your landlord is a Housing Authority. 

If you have a section 8 voucher, read Protecting Your Section 8 Voucher  to learn more. If some other HUD program is in charge of your housing, read HUD Housing Evictions to learn more.

Maybe. The Housing Authority may evict you if any of these is the case:

  • You do not pay your portion of the rent on time every month.

  • You break a serious rule in the lease.

  • You repeatedly break a rule in the lease.

  • You, someone living with you, or your guest causes "criminal activity" that threatens other tenant's safety or health.

  • You, someone living with you, or your guest causes "drug activity."

  • The Housing Authority has some other "good cause" to evict you.

*Act fast if you get a written notice saying you are breaking the rules. If you do nothing by the deadline in the notice, the Housing Authority may then start an eviction lawsuit against you.

 

In most cases, the notice will give you a deadline (like 10 days) to stop breaking the rules. The notice may say you can ask for a meeting or a "grievance hearing" with the Housing Authority to explain your side.

First, read the notice carefully. If you do not think you are breaking the lease, or you do not understand what the notice says, try to talk to a lawyer. See contact info below.

Next, if you do not agree with the notice, do these things:

  • Write the landlord to ask for a grievance hearing before the deadline (usually 10 days).

  • Keep a copy of your letter with your important papers. You will need it later.

  • Try to talk to a lawyer. See contact info below.

It is your chance to bring witnesses and evidence to an impartial third party to show that you are not breaking the rules of the lease. This procedure is not a court case. Read Public Housing Grievance Procedure to learn more about the procedure and how to get ready for your hearing.

It depends. If the Housing Authority believes that you, someone in your household, or your guest has committed a crime, or is involved with drugs on the property, the Housing Authority might not give you a grievance hearing.

If this happens to you, try to talk to a lawyer. See contact info below.

The Housing Authority may file a lawsuit to evict you, called an "Unlawful Detainer Action."  You will receive court papers, a "Complaint" and a "Summons."  You will have a short time to respond in writing to the lawsuit and explain your defenses. 

Read I need to respond to an eviction lawsuit as soon as possible to learn more about the eviction process and how to respond. You should also try to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.

Get Legal Help

Visit Northwest Justice Project to find out how to get legal help. 

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Last Review and Update: Aug 14, 2023
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