Through the state's Eviction Resolution pilot program, the Bellevue Conflict Resolution Center provides free, confidential and impartial negotiation help to landlords and tenants in Bellevue and Kirkland. We help landlords and tenants negotiate rent payment plans, which may prevent expensive and burdensome eviction proceedings.
Conflict Resolution Center staff and volunteers do not provide legal advice or services. We bring both parties together for dialogue and negotiation. Language interpretation services are available.
To get help, please contact the Conflict Resolution Center (425-452-4091 or bcrc@bellevuewa.gov) and make an appointment with a conciliator. Interpretation services are available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I own rental property in Bellevue or Kirkland. How can the BCRC help me?
- The BCRC can help you create or negotiate payment plans with tenants in arrears, and/or tenants who are struggling to pay current or upcoming rent. The best way to contact us is to fill out the online intake form.
- The BCRC is the local dispute resolution center for ERPP cases in Bellevue and Kirkland. The program requires landlords to send an ERPP Notice to the tenant and to the BCRC (bcrc@bellevuewa.gov) before filing an eviction proceeding (unlawful detainer) in court. Landlords must send the notice to the BCRC at the same time they send it to the tenant.
If you cannot access the intake form or wish to talk to us, please call 425-452-4091 or email bcrc@bellevuewa.gov.
I am a tenant of Bellevue or Kirkland. How can the BCRC help me?
- The BCRC can help you create or negotiate a payment plan with your landlord. The best way to contact the BCRC is to fill out the online intake form.
- If you have received an ERPP Notice and/or a 14 Day Pay or Vacate Notice, contact the BCRC immediately to discuss the next steps in the process. The best way to contact the BCRC is to fill out the online intake form.
If you cannot access the intake form or wish to talk to us, please call 425-452-4091 or email bcrc@bellevuewa.gov.
What happens after I call the BCRC?
- An intake specialist collects all necessary information to ensure compliance with the ERPP.
- The intake specialist makes three attempts to contact the tenant, who chooses whether or not to participate in the ERPP. The 14-day clock does not commence until the BCRC has confirmed receipt of the ERPP Notice.
- If the tenant chooses to participate in the ERPP, the intake specialist assigns the case to a conciliator or mediator who will work with the landlord and tenant in a series of phone conversations to resolve the rent-related issues. In some cases, the conciliator or mediator may invite the parties to meet in person or virtually.
What happens if a tenant doesn’t work with the BCRC after an ERPP Notice?
- If a tenant does not voluntarily engage within 14 days of the BCRC confirming receipt of the ERPP Notice, the BCRC will issue a Dispute Resolution Certificate, which allows the landlord to begin the eviction process in court. The BCRC will provide a copy of the Certificate to both parties.
What happens if a landlord and tenant reach an agreement?
- The conciliator or mediator will help the landlord and tenant write the rental payment agreement. Both parties sign the agreement, and the BCRC will provide each party a signed copy of the agreement.
- The BCRC will not issue a Dispute Resolution Certificate.
What happens if a landlord and tenant do not reach an agreement?
- The BCRC will issue a Dispute Resolution Certificate and will provide a copy of the Certificate to both parties. This Certificate is necessary if a landlord later files an eviction proceeding (unlawful detainer) in court.
Quick Tips for Landlords
Quick Tips for Landlords
- Contact the Bellevue Conflict Resolution Center (BCRC) to help negotiate a repayment plan with your tenant
- Send the ERPP Notice to the tenant and to the BCRC at the same time (state requirement). Please send the BCRC copy to bcrc@bellevuewa.gov.
- Apply for rental assistance from:
- Quick Tips For Landlords (PDF Download): How to fill out and submit the ERPP Notice & Resource Guide.
Quick Tips for Tenants
Quick Tips for Tenants
- Contact Bellevue's Conflict Resolution Center:
- To help negotiate a rent repayment plan with your landlord
- If you receive a repayment plan from your landlord
- If you receive an ERPP Notice and/or a 14 Day Pay or Vacate Notice
- Talk with your landlord about your ability to pay rent
- Do not move
- Rental assistance may not be available if you move
- Apply for rental assistance from:
- The King County Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program (EPRAP)
- Private community agencies
Resources
ERPP outside of Bellevue / Kirkland:
- The King County Dispute Resolution Center (KCDRC) for King County residents outside Bellevue / Kirkland.
- Resolution Washington (ResWA) for residents of other WA counties.
Rent Assistance:
- King County Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program (EPRAP): This program helps people experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 who are at risk of housing instability or homelessness.
- Rent Assistance Agencies List: The City of Bellevue maintains a current list of all the human service agencies in the area.
- COVID Resource Navigator Program: The City of Bellevue also offers resident assistance, to help you figure out which programs will best fit your needs. You may also call (425) 452-2800, or email minich@bellevuewa.gov for more information.
- Kirkland Residential Rent, Mortgage and Utility Assistance: For residents of Kirkland.
Legal Assistance & Resources:
- Eviction Defense Screening Hotline: (855) 657-8387:
- Eastside Legal Assistance Program (Housing Stability Program)
- Rental Housing Association of WA (RHAWA)
- Washington Law Help Finder
- ERPP Notice & Resource Guide
- King County Superior Court ERPP Standing Order (07.16.21)
- Senate Bill 5160 Report Summary
- Gov. Inslee's Sept. 24th Eviction Moratorium Bridge Proclamation
Other ERPP Resources:
- Neighborhood News Article (p5): For more information on the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP), please read the September issue of the Neighborhood News.
- Resolution Washington (ResWA) for residents of other WA counties.
- The ERPP Process: Here is an infographic that provides a visual overview on how the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program works.
- BCRC ERPP Program Guide: ERRP policies used by the BCRC.
- Quick Tips For Landlords (PDF Download): How to fill out and submit the ERPP Notice & Resource Guide.