Tenants Union

Category: Tenant's union

Address: 5425 Rainier Ave S suite b, Seattle, WA 98118, USA

Phone: +12067230500

Opening hours

Sunday: Closed

Monday: 10:30AM–12:30AM

Tuesday: 10:30AM–12:30AM

Wednesday: 10:30AM–12:30AM

Thursday: Closed

Friday: 10AM–12:30AM

Saturday: Closed

Reviews

KC ONeill

Aug 4, 2022

Easy to find answers to the many questions I had regarding my rights as a tenant as well as refund for my deposit.

tracy burgess

Mar 7, 2022

I called to express my concern that under present regulations, why would anyone want to be a landlord and to alert to the fact that most small landlords are selling because the rules are too complicated for an average retired person to navigate. How will more units be created if we are too afraid? The person didn't even listen and just hung up on me. They should remember what government housing was like because that is all that will be left - that and huge property management companies that are the usual culprits, not us little folk providing good, clean, under market homes for people. Not me, not anymore and EVERY landlord I know is selling. Tired of being called names and insulted for providing a much needed service for very little pay. So what will people rent then? Why do these group seem to think that people like me should provide housing at my expense? CLEARLY, they are not interested in knowing the facts about the future. The rental market is being destroyed!!

Ari N

Oct 7, 2021

I finally got a hold of a live representative after calling non stop for over thirty days; I spoke with someone on 9/24/21 (relieved may I add) however this particular representative was unprofessional. I initially thought I dialed the wrong number because she answered the phone coughing saying “hello” as if we knew one another, never mentioned her name or any standard Tenants Union greeting. I informed her I was having landlord/tenant issues and proceeded to explain what I was dealing with; besides her initial unprofessional attitude she became sarcastic, pushy, and was trying to rush me off the phone as if I was a burden. She started asking for my personal information (which I had no problem sharing) and she found a way to create a problem about that as well, interrupting me in the middle of talking, she kept asking me to repeat my responses, and would periodically mention how many people she had in the queue, she asked for my landlord information than told me she’ll look into my complaint, contact the number I’d given her and she’d contact me next day (9/24/21) or latest that Monday (9/27/21) with information. It’s bad enough I have to deal with landlord/tenant issues as is but to call an agency that specializes in assisting tenants and their unprofessional and rude for no reason just blows my mind, I thought assisting tenants with their complaints/rights were in the job description. It is now 10/7/21 and still no follow up from the tenant union representative.

Cesar Chavez

Sep 13, 2021

No one answers and my question is. Can I break my lease due to insufficient heat source and electrical problems? Landlord says they are going to fix the electrical for over a year now. The only thing they fixed is there Courtyard painted it a new fence then their porch and patio and put sprinklers all throughout the yard and their tenants units what nothing.

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Questions & Answers

How many times do I have to call to actually talk to someone.. I have called everyday the past 2 weeks and called back to back for 30 minutes and haven’t been able to talk to anyone! I really need help.

Jarricca Bird | Aug 12, 2022
Jeanette Mazzola | Aug 13, 2022

Wow! Someone was actually able to leave a message? I didn't receive that option at all.

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Moved out of our house at the end of March. Got an email yesterday from our landlord for 8.5K in charges minus the $2500 damage deposit. So they want us to pay 6ish Grand our of pocket. Is this legal and what do we do?

Taylor Stimpson | Aug 12, 2022
Justin Freeman | Aug 13, 2022

Did you get a summary of the charges within 20 days of the end of the lease agreement? If not they didn’t fulfill their legal obligation.

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Need a pro bono lawyer for a lawsuit against my last landlord, didn't disclose the place was infested with bedbugs, when we said hey, fix this. They said it was the tennants responsibility. They also threatened to take us to court after we left.

Ravarshi | Aug 12, 2022
Clifford Cawthon | Aug 13, 2022

Unfortunately, the TU aren't lawyers. They can only refer you to lawyers. You should go to their Rainer office in person and ask about this.

I have seen advice to become a member in order to call the members only hotline but I do not feel comfortable at the moment donating any amount of money and trusting that I will then be able to speak to an actual person. Are you still operating?

Dringo Tango | Aug 12, 2022
Patricia Williams | Aug 13, 2022

As far as I know, you can become a member without donating, if you do not have the funds to do so at this time.

3 Questions 1. How much can rent be raised at one time? $300.00? 2. How often can rent be raised? 3. Can a tenant who has always paid rent on time be evicted only on the fact that the management doesn't like the tenant?

Janeice Fonvergne | Aug 12, 2022
Diana Lightner | Aug 13, 2022

No more than 10% with 30 days nice, anything more than that requires 90 notice.

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I am living in one of those over-prized "luxury" apartments. My lease is up soon and they will increase my rent. Part of the deal was rooftop access, which I never had. The roof has been closed off since a year. Can they still raise the rent?

Eveline Mueller-Graf | Aug 12, 2022
Coralie | Aug 13, 2022

U know that sounds like a health inspection problem maybe mold . Are u a senior ? Contact your doctor for inspection . Your rent raise that's TERRIBLE . Tenant union can't help me and alot of other people don't know why these are big nite mare problems sometimes 211 can get u started but that's a fnnnn mess I'm still trying to fight mine. This is making me sick.

Does my landlord have to pay to move me if they choose to not honor the lease? Ie: septic tank fails and they cannot fix in a timely manner

Chad Lloyd | Aug 12, 2022
Misty Mirabal | Aug 13, 2022

I dont believe so i believe u'd not pay last months rent when you move like if u were at end of your lease it would breach contract if landlord doesn't hold up to their end or you could take them to court.

We narrowly escaped eviction. My sister and I went to KNT, to stay the eviction. The Judge signed the order, for a show cause hearing. They will not allow me to speak for her. Are there any legal advocates who could help?

Laura Reynolds | Aug 12, 2022
Chad Stewart | Aug 13, 2022

Not an answer just a question. What or who is KNT? We need to stay our eviction and are going to the NWJP on Monday, March 18th to hopefully get a chance to put our case in front of a judge.

Have a month to month rental house. We are are a family of 5, low income and have 3 kids with autism. Ownewants us out by June 30th. There's no way we will be able to find a home to accommodate out 7 y/o son who tries to escape all the time. Advice?

anne powers | Aug 12, 2022
Misty Mirabal | Aug 13, 2022

You would have to pysically call the Tennant's union. But im pretty sure your landlord cannot do that. Especially if you have children with disabilities. Call the tennants union if that doesn't help. Pleasr call 211 or your low-income provider. I also will be checking into this. And i will post whatever info i can to help.! Good luck and remember if you have to push back be strong & keep ur head up.

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We moved from a house that was managed by a property management company. They want us to pay for painting the house inside and outside. Yes the place wasn't cleaned at all when we moved in and was noted. Can they make us do tha?

Tony C | Aug 12, 2022
Clifford Cawthon | Aug 13, 2022

No, absolutely not. Look up the Washington State landlord tenant act and go to the TU office or call them. They absolutely cannot charge you to maintain/ update the structure. They can only charge you for damages after assessing them after the walkthrough.

Where can I get a document to give to my landlord who wants to increase my rent during Covid? I'm having difficulty findin one. Much appreciated!

Paloma | Aug 12, 2022
Brian K | Aug 13, 2022

Landlord has every right.

I been dealing with mice issue for the last 6 months.. What are my rights

Cooking Eighty Twenty | Aug 12, 2022
Brian K | Aug 13, 2022

Contact your landlord.

My downstairs neighbor and a friend I assume pretend not to be home all day and night, they are constantly harassing me by making noises whichever room in the apartment I choose to be in. They want me to move. What can I do?

Victoria Merchand | Aug 12, 2022
Patricia James | Aug 13, 2022

I am not qualified to answer that question. You'll have to contact Tenants Association directly.

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My landlord rented out this home to me In January 2018 I’ve been a a great tenant paying my rent of $2000 on time.. in May 2019 I get a letter from the bank stating that the landlord has defaulted in his loan in July of 2017!!!

Elizabeth Penu | Aug 12, 2022
Vernon Lewis | Aug 13, 2022

try to work with the bank. Banks don't want residential real estate, they want the interest residential real estate loans generate. Prove you're a good customer prove you're a good tenant you may be able to buy the house.

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My house rent is $1450 my landlord gave us an eviction notice because we told him he owes us money because his house has too much mold which ruined I would say over $2000-$3000 in belongings the mold makes us very sick

Ranjot Singh | Aug 12, 2022
Patricia James | Aug 13, 2022

I am not qualified to answer that question. You will have to contact Tenants Association directly.

I was given a 30 day notice to vacate. I owe no back rent am I obigated to pay rent

Geo Noakes | Aug 12, 2022
Jose Hernandez (chepekusanagy) | Aug 13, 2022

You should call the tenants union

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Can the housing athority orderd you to brake your leas and move onto the streets?

Emily Russell | Aug 12, 2022
Jose Hernandez (chepekusanagy) | Aug 13, 2022

You should ask the tenants union about that, but I'm pretty sure the housing authority can't do that.

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I don t speak English well. English is my second language. Every time I need to go to office, Apt. manager pushes me. She knows I don,t speak well. She makes me embarrassed and foolish. Paper work like renewing lease, DSHS, PUD, etc.

Ki Yoon | Aug 12, 2022
Patricia James | Aug 13, 2022

I am not qualified to answer that question. Suggest you contact them directly. I believe they have interpreters there.

The carpet is still dirty and smells, the landlord cleaned before we moved in. But even cleaned it doesn’t work. We ask the landlord to replace the carpet, but they said it’s impossible. What can I do?

zoey chan | Aug 12, 2022
Tantanecia “Sugar-T” Dinish | Aug 13, 2022

He has to get a professional carpet cleaner in there and/or change the carpet. If not, the you'll have to contact the TRU and this might require you to get legal representation

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Currently month to month. Lease expired in April. Gave notice on September 4th to move out October 6th.landlord says I must either move out September 30th or pay the entire month of October. Is this legal?

Tod Brewster | Aug 12, 2022
Tantanecia “Sugar-T” Dinish | Aug 13, 2022

Technically yes. But at the discretion of the landlord, he/she/they can prorate it.

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Moved out of house end of Aug. Did the walk through but she didn't have a checklist (we never made one when starting renting). She said everything looked fine. 18 days later no deposit return and she isn't responding to my emails

Darren Monk | Aug 12, 2022
Patricia James | Aug 13, 2022

You'll have to contact Tenants Association directly. I'm not qualified to answer that question.

Can a tenant lock out a landlord from coming on the property with proper notification?

Vicki Branum | Aug 12, 2022
Tantanecia “Sugar-T” Dinish | Aug 13, 2022

Depends on who has the proper notification. The landlord to enter or you to lock him/her/them out. You should call TRU to be sure.

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What can I do about it’s at my landlord doesn’t have any money to fix anything inside the house My car port is about to collapse

Darryl Washington | Aug 12, 2022
Tantanecia “Sugar-T” Dinish | Aug 13, 2022

Move and take your landlord to small claims court with proof, such as; pictures, copies of repeated written/texted/voicemail requests and the responses from the landlord, if any.

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The property manager is asking for a deposit of $2500 (in addition to a pet deposit and other fees), when the rent is $1990. I thought the law was I can make a payment plan for 6 months?

Wren | Aug 12, 2022
Coralie | Aug 13, 2022

I went to tenant union for a assault that happened to me and manger KIM BARRETO said I assulted this man there's a video and she won't let me see I even have a case no DONT ever live in Pike place market. Is there a lawyer that can HELP I'm 69 yrs old AND I need HELP this manger KIM BARRETO is a LIAR please write me CORALIE JOHNSON 80 STEWART St 98101

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What is protocol regarding damage/cleaning deposit when once the tenant moves out the unit is completely renovated?

Kerry Beck | Aug 12, 2022
Patricia James | Aug 13, 2022

You will have to direct your question to them.

I moved out of my apartment in October 2016 and now my previous landlord is soliciting over $480 in move out fees. They did not give me a notice within 21 days after I had moved out. What should my next steps be?

Faith Sairez | Aug 12, 2022
Patricia James | Aug 13, 2022

I cannot answer your question. You should contact Tenants Union directly.

Hi. Can our landlord bill us for “back rent” when they announced a rent increase 5 months ago, but the “amount due” on the online tenant portal where we pay rent has not reflected the increase?

Suzy Ummel | Aug 12, 2022
Patricia James | Aug 13, 2022

Suggest you contact the Tenants Union directly; they are the experts. I could only guess.

We moved out after completing our lease on 11/30. We gave proper notice. The owner who has not returned our deposit or given us a list of charges since then. How do we get our money back?

Lila Wilson | Aug 12, 2022
Rachel Hanson | Aug 13, 2022

They should have provided a statement of charges or what ur deposit went to, along with a refund of whatever is remaining within 14 days

My friend was involved in a domestic violence incident but did not report her abuse for hear of her life. She wants to move for her own safety but still has a few months on her lease. Is there anything she can do?

Mushroom Kween | Aug 12, 2022
Lindsey Champlin | Aug 13, 2022

I would reference this statute, there is a procedure involved but you’re friend should be able to safely leave: RCW 59.18.575 Victim protection- Notice to Landlord- Termination of Rental agreement procedures Linked here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=59.18.575

The landlord is asking a month of rent for my early termination of 1yr lease. I gave him the written notice of 30 days, and I couldn't find any terms about on the agreement. He kept saying that I have to pay it, is it correct?

Purchasing | Aug 12, 2022
Misty Mirabal | Aug 13, 2022

If u sign a year lease and are moving before your lease is up even with a 30 day notice u are in a contract you are locked in for a year no matter what unless in your rental agreement it states its ok to break the year contract with a 30 day notice or your landlord says he's ok with breaking the lease early (get that in writing if they agree verbally) other than that by law you have to pay, your in a binding contract if you put your signature on that rental agreement.

Jefferson Terrace SHA residents are being required to prepare of Roach treatment in a way that is extreme and never before been required. If they cannot meet the requirements for medical reasons what should they do?

Dennis Bejin | Aug 12, 2022
Clifford Cawthon | Aug 13, 2022

They should go to the TU directly, specifically one of the organizers. Also, how are they being required to prepare?

I moved Feb 1st after 7 yrs at apt in Mt Baker. After 5 months I texted the landlord for my $1,200.00 security deposit. She eventually send $500.00 and noted on the check Total deposit & did not mention why it was less than half. Friends say becau

James B Sayer | Aug 12, 2022
Terri Anderson | Aug 13, 2022

The law says the landlord must return the deposit and any explanation about the amount within 21 days from when you move. The landlord was also required to do a walk through with you to itemize damages. If they did not do that then they are required to return the entire damage deposit to you. You should file in small claims court to get the remaining $700.00.

I rent a room in someone's house Signed a year lease. An there house is in foreclosure. An found out today. That she is asking another tenant for rent to pay utility bills. If she doesn't get it. They will be turning off. Is this legal.

Lisa Goode | Aug 12, 2022
Misty Mirabal | Aug 13, 2022

CALL DIRECTLY TO TENNANTS UNION. Or call 211 That shouldnt be legal. But it is in the landlords name. And they can cut off the lights. I would not give them anymore $$. Im very disappointed on how some of these landlords are taking advantage of renters. Knowing how our economy is.. Good luck. And im gonna do some digging on our rights!!

We're located in Forks and received a '3 day pay or vacate' notice. I called the landlord and they said it's literally 3 days and then they ' hire a sheriff' to come... what does that mean?

Joe S | Aug 12, 2022
Terri Anderson | Aug 13, 2022

3 day pay or vacate is for rent only, no late fees or any other monetary issue other than rent. If you pay within 3 days no further action can be taken to evict on non-payment of rent until the following month. If you cannot pay within three days make an offer to pay as quickly as possible and negotiate staying. The landlord does not have to accept payment after the three days and can initiate eviction action. The sheriff does not get involved until a judge issues the writ of restitution.

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I have a lease from September 1 2017 to September 1 2018. An my landlord is telling her real estate agent. It is a verbal agreement. When it is actually on paper. Signed by her and my boyfriend and myself. The agent says it's over one year.

Lisa Goode | Aug 12, 2022
Misty Mirabal | Aug 13, 2022

That is totally a RED flag!! Please call the tenants union or call the agent directly. And hand her/him the copy/original. We as renters/owners have more rights than we know! Good luck!

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I waited 30 days for my landlord to return my $2,000.00 security deposit. She informed me I was getting a part of the deposit back. There was no damage or issues when I moved out. No list or reason to justify her actions. What can I do?

E Harrison | Aug 12, 2022
Justin Freeman | Aug 13, 2022

The have to legal provide an itemized list with 21 days or they cannot charge.

My elderly father over paid on his rent. He gave the landlord $2,063.00 in excess by mistake. The Manager said it was good news that he is 2 months ahead and sorry that they can not reimburse him. Is this legal?

Sheri Myers | Aug 12, 2022
Sheri Myers | Aug 13, 2022

Thanks for nothing.

If you paid last months rent upon move in, and in that time the rent has gone up, are you obligated to pay to difference between the original rate and the now current rate? There was no terminology in the original lease stating re: escalation. Thx!

Elyse Reynolds | Aug 12, 2022
Misty Mirabal | Aug 13, 2022

No you are only to obligated to pay the amount you agreed to pay at the time you signed the lease. They have actually 30days from when the first lease you have signed is up!!! Even If you did NOT sign a lease.

My mother lives in low income apts. She has been attacked by her neighbor multiple . Times the police nor the low income apts. Are doing NOTHING!!! they told my mother in law walk the other way . She has bars/screws in her back please help!!!

Misty Mirabal | Aug 12, 2022
Clifford Cawthon | Aug 13, 2022

Hello Misty, please call the TU asap. The hotline can provide direct and proper assistance but, in short an assault is an assault. Your mother should press charges against this neighbor. Which city do you live in? Also, who runs the LI facility your mom lives in?

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do I have to file the papers before serving the roommate the 3 day notice or can I serve first then file???

Melinda Buffer | Aug 12, 2022
Lisa C | Aug 13, 2022

If you haven't filed what do you have to serve? You have to get the papers in order to serve someone with them.

If you receive a twenty day notice that lease will not be renewed and will have to vacate, and you need more time and willing to pay for another month can they deny you?

Vivian Martin | Aug 12, 2022
Lisa C | Aug 13, 2022

It depends. If you contacted your city, county or other entity to complain about leaky faucets, insects, broken step, etc, asking you to leave is then considered Retaliatory Action. Or if they gave you the note with only 19 days left in the month they can't evict you, the law is 20 days before the end of the month. If you haven't complained to a government entity then yes, they can ask you to leave with a 20 day notice. You also can give a 20 day notice, if you are out of your lease or on a month to month you can give them a 20 day notice. For the notice it must be posted either on the 10th of the month (in a 30 day month) or on the 11th of the month (in a 31 day month). It's tough to find an attorney to act on behalf of tenants, but if you offer to pay them for a letter in response to a Retaliatory Action they might do it, or go to a legal clinic. Landlords never listened to me, I had to have an attorney respond.

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If my apartments are doing an unexpected remodel due to building structure being unsafe don't apartments have to re house the tenant

Noma Time | Aug 12, 2022
Corrina Harper | Aug 13, 2022

The should be doing a HUD displacement for you

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Can a landlord prohibit overnight guests? Or charge a nightly fee per guest?

Cheryl Freeman | Aug 12, 2022
Ki Smith | Aug 13, 2022

No but usually there is a clause in the lease that guests who are there over 2weeks are then consider living in that unit and must fill out a rental application

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