Pathways to Eviction Diversion
Facing Eviction for Not Paying Rent? Spokane Law Requires a Free Prevention Process First
Before a landlord can take you to court, both you and your landlord must go through a 30-day process to try to solve the problem. This process is free and required by Spokane law.
How the Process Works
Step 1 - Notice
- Landlord gives tenant a Pay-or-Vacate notice (14 days to pay rent or move out)
- The notice must include information about this free prevention program
Step 2 – Contact
- The tenant or landlord contacts a prevention provider directly. Use the Provider Directory on this page to find one
- Tenant: you have 10 days from the notice to tell your landlord in writing that you want to participate
- Landlord: if you initiate first, notify the tenant in writing within 5 days that you have contacted a provider
Step 3 – 30-Day Window
- A 30-day period begins to work toward a solution
- You may be connected to: rental assistance (if you qualify), a payment plan, legal help, relocation support
- The landlord cannot file for eviction in court during this time – as long as both sides participate in good faith
Step 4 – Outcome
- If the problem is resolved: case closed
- If the problem is not resolved after 30 days, the landlord may proceed with legal filing
NOTE: This flow applies only to nonpayment of rent evictions. It does not apply to evictions for safety/criminal activity violations.
