More Information | How to Reach Us
The difference between housing stability and homelessness can often revolve around how much we know about our leases or mortgage documents, and how well we can advocate for ourselves in negotiating with landlords and lenders. The Housing Counseling program provides: 1) information and assistance regarding rights and responsibilities under local and state eviction and foreclosure statutes; 2) assistance negotiating with landlords and lenders for households experiencing an at-risk housing situation; 3) modest financial assistance to prevent housing loss for eligible households; 5) financial skills counseling and workshops, including Individual Development Accounts (IDA) recruitment and case management; and 6) reverse equity mortgage counseling for senior homeowners:
If you do not find the information you need below, please call 206.694.6767 to speak to a tenant counselor. Counselors are available at this number every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tenants—We suggest that if you have issues or concerns you would like to bring up with your landlord, that you put communication in writing, sent certified mail, and keep copies for your records.
Read more about your rights under the Washington State Landlord Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) on the web site for the Washington State legislature.
Read about Seattle's specific laws in .pdf format from the City of Seattle web site.
Mortgage Default Counseling—Our Mortgage Counselors work with homeowners in King, Snohomish, Skagit, Island and Whatcom Counties to avoid foreclosure. Counselors provide information on the foreclosure process, and can provide one-on-one assistance to secure community resources, develop a household budget, and negotiate with lenders for re-payment strategies. Homeowners can call 206.694.6766 or toll-free at 1.866.297.4300.
Predatory Lending Prevention—Abusive lending practices take advantage of borrowers by charging higher fees and hidden costs. Every borrower is at risk, however predatory lenders target communities of color, elderly and those with less than perfect credit. As members of the Coalition for Responsible Lending, our mortgage counselors can give you the information and referrals you need to educate and protect yourself from predatory lenders. Call 206.694.6766 or toll free at 1.866.297.4300. You can also see links to a number of other web sites that deal with this issue by clicking here.
Reverse Equity Mortgage Counseling—A reverse equity mortgage can be a great option for seniors who are "house rich/cash poor" by giving them money for their home while they continue to live in it. We provide free counseling to seniors who want to know more about this option. Call 206.694.6766, or toll free at 1.866.297.4300. You can also read general information about these types of mortgages on the AARP web site.
See our program brochure in .pdf format.
Read more about DEPOSITS, including sample letters to get them back.
Read more about REPAIRS, including sample letters to get them done.
Read more about EVICTIONS, including a timeline of how they proceed.
Free Legal Advice/Services
We have identified a portion of the UW Law School that lists Sources of Free Legal Information on Washington State Law. This is a GREAT resource for all kinds of things.
Information on Buying a Home—We are partners with local agencies to help low- and moderate-income households achieve their dream of homeownership, and some of these partners can provide substantial down payment assistance. Our counselors can provide a quick screening for appropriate programs, and refer callers to the right agency for their needs, but your best referral is probably to the Community Home Ownership Center at 206.587.5641.
Watch one of our counselors talk with Q13 news about the impact adjustable rate and subprime mortgages are having on some homeowners, and how we can help:
Phone: See above for specific numbers for specific issues
Email: housingcounseling@solid-ground.org
FAX: 206.694.6795
Address: Housing Counseling
Solid Ground
1501 North 45th Street
Seattle, WA 98103-6708