Information/Resources For Landlords

What the Law Requires

City of Spokane Ordinance C36808 (SMC 10.57.230) requires landlords to participate in the eviction prevention program for nonpayment evictions before filing an unlawful detainer action in court. This means contacting a provider and participating in good faith for up to 30 days. Skipping this step may give the tenant a legal defense.

Your Steps

Step 1

When issuing a 14-Day Pay-or-Vacate notice, you must also give the tenant a written list of prevention programs. (Use the City's standardized notice.)

Step 2

Contact a prevention provider from the Provider Directory.

Step 3

Notify the tenant in writing that you have contacted a prevention provider. You must do this within 5 days of the notice.

Step 4

Participate in good faith for up to 30 days

If the issue is not resolved in 30 days and the tenant did not engage, you may proceed with a court filing

You must also provide the prevention resources notice:

  • At lease signing / start of tenancy
  • With every lease renewal
  • With any rent increase notice
  • Before seeking a mutual termination agreement

When You are Exempt

You do not have to go through the 30-day prevention process if:

  • The tenant's behavior seriously affects the health and safety of themselves or others;
  • Eviction is needed to stop an immediate threat of harm or harassment; or
  • The tenant was arrested for criminal activity on the property

NOTE: even when exempt from the 30-day process, you must still provide the standardized resources notice (SMC 10.57.230(D))

Good Faith – What It Means

Good faith means honestly trying to participate – showing up, responding to the provider, and genuinely working toward a resolution. It does not require agreeing to a specific outcome.

Forms and Documents

Required Download