As provided in RCW 59.18.660(9), the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP) will expire statewide on July 1, 2023.
Beginning July 1, 2023, landlords in Bellevue and Kirkland will no longer be required to secure a Certificate of Participation from the Bellevue Conflict Resolution Center (BCRC) before bringing an eviction (unlawful detainer) case for nonpayment of rent in the superior court. The BCRC encourages tenants and landlords to consult legal counsel as soon as possible regarding evictions based on unpaid rent.
Please email bcrc@bellevuewa.gov or call 425-452-4091 to discuss how we may be able to help. Interpretation services are available.
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). Interpretation services are available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I own rental property in Bellevue or Kirkland. How can the BCRC help me?
- The BCRC is the official provider of the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP) for tenants and landlords in the City of Bellevue and the City of Kirkland.
- The program requires landlords to send an ERPP Notice and Pay or Vacate 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 them to the tenant.
- The best way to contact us 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.
I am a tenant of Bellevue or Kirkland. How can the BCRC help me?
- If you have received an ERPP Notice and/or a 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.
- 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 cannot access the intake form or wish to talk to us, please call 425-452-4091 or email bcrc@bellevuewa.gov.
What happens after the BCRC receives and ERPP Notice?
- An intake specialist collects all necessary information to ensure compliance with the ERPP.
- The intake specialist attempts to contact the tenant during the ERPP response period, which typically begins when the BCRC receives the Notice. The intake specialist will explain the ERPP and the BCRC’s role in the program to the tenant, who will then decide whether or not to participate in the ERPP.
- If the tenant participates in the ERPP, a conciliator / mediator will work with the landlord and tenant in a series of phone and email conversations to help them create a repayment plan agreement.
What happens if a tenant doesn’t work with the BCRC after an ERPP Notice?
- If a tenant does not elect to opt into the ERPP within the response period, the BCRC will issue a Dispute Resolution Certificate (aka ERPP 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 rent repayment 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 as long as the tenant makes timely payments on the agreement.
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
- Send the ERPP Notice to the tenant and to the BCRC at the same time (state requirement). Please use the online intake form to submit the ERPP Notice or send the BCRC copy to bcrc@bellevuewa.gov.
- Apply for rental assistance from:
- King County Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program EPRAP (tenant in unit)
- Washington State mitigation funds (tenant voluntarily moved)
- Kirkland Rental Risk Assistance Fund – City of Kirkland (kirklandwa.gov) (eligible new leases in Kirkland, only)
- 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 discuss the next steps if you receive an ERPP Notice and/or a Pay or Vacate Notice. The best way to contact the BCRC is to fill out the online intake form. You may also email bcrc@bellevuewa.gov or call 425-452-4091
- 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. Rental and Mortgage Assistance | City of Bellevue (bellevuewa.gov).
- 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
Other ERPP Resources:
- 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.