Rent Assistance in Washington

Last checked: November 2026. Benefits Explorer is a directory. We do not provide rent money or decide who gets help, and each program makes its own decisions.

Washington's Department of Commerce funds homeless and rent programs but says it does not give direct assistance, so applications go to local providers. Your entry point depends on your county, usually a Coordinated Entry site or a program named below.

Selection is often limited. United Way of King County, for example, picks intake forms at random because funding falls short of demand. Seattle's new city rental assistance application is not open yet: the city says its online portal is expected in 2027.

Washington gives renters a 14-day pay-or-vacate notice, and low-income tenants may be appointed a lawyer in an eviction case. If you have a notice or summons, call the Eviction Defense Screening Line at the same time you look for rent money.

Where to Start in Washington

Coordinated Entry access points

The Department of Commerce directs people who need housing help to their local Coordinated Entry program and publishes a list of access points. Commerce itself does not pay rent to households. Spokane's city guidance explains that a Coordinated Entry intake enrolls you in a shared system and is not an application for money.

Visit website · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Eviction Defense Screening Line

Screens renters for a free appointed lawyer in an eviction case; eligibility depends on income. Northwest Justice Project lists weekday hours of 8:30 am to 7 pm, with voicemail only from 8:30 to 9:15 am and after 4 pm. This line offers legal help, not rent payments.

Visit website · Phone: 1-855-657-8387 · Accepting applications when last checked

Local Rent Help in Washington

United Way of King County rental assistance (King County, including Seattle)

For King County renters who owe back rent at their current address, with household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income and a landlord who agrees to take part. Start with the online Client Intake Form and save your Record ID. Selection is random and those selected then file a full application. The program's page lists a cap of $10,000 per household, up to 2 months of future rent, and one selection every two years. It does not cover move-in costs or rent owed at a previous address.

Visit website · Phone: 206-461-3700 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Housing Justice Project (King County)

United Way of King County tells renters to call this legal project right away if they are served with an eviction lawsuit or summons.

Phone: 206-580-0762 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Spokane eviction prevention process (City of Spokane)

Spokane requires a free 30-day prevention process before a nonpayment eviction can go to court. You have 10 days from the pay-or-vacate notice to tell your landlord in writing that you want to take part, then contact a provider from the city's directory. Providers may connect you to a payment plan, legal help, relocation support or rental assistance, which requires household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income and depends on available funds.

Visit website · Accepting applications when last checked

Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (SNAP) (Spokane County outside city limits)

The City of Spokane tells county residents outside city limits to contact SNAP to find out what housing or utility help may be available. Funding is not stated, so ask what is open now.

Visit website · Phone: 509-456-7627 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Volunteers of America Western Washington Coordinated Entry (Snohomish and Skagit counties)

Screens people who are homeless or at imminent risk of it, weekdays 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. VOA says short-term rental assistance through Rapid Rehousing is limited and subject to funding, and that it never charges for its services.

Visit website · Phone: 1-800-223-8145 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Facing Eviction in Washington?

For unpaid rent, state law sets a 14-day notice to pay or vacate, and the required form lists legal help numbers. If you don't pay in that time, the landlord may file a case and serve a Summons and Complaint. The Summons states your response deadline and should be served at least 7 days before it, but respond by that date even if you got less notice. A landlord cannot remove you or lock you out without a court order signed by a judge. Read the official guidance

Free or low-cost legal help: Northwest Justice Project (CLEAR). Free civil legal aid statewide. The CLEAR line serves people under 60 outside King County, weekdays 9:15 am to 12:15 pm. People 60 and over can call CLEAR*Senior at 1-888-387-7111. For a King County issue, Northwest Justice Project says to start with 211. WashingtonLawHelp.org, which it maintains, has self-help guides. Visit website · Phone: 1-888-201-1014

This page is general information, not legal advice. Don't ignore a notice or court papers, because eviction deadlines can be short.

Washington Programs That Have Closed

You may still see these programs online. Check before you spend time on an application.

  • City of Spokane COVID-era rent assistance portal: The city says the portal stopped taking applications on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, because funds ran out, and it does not expect to reopen it for renters inside city limits.

More Help in Washington

Want other options? See our full rent assistance guide, including how to spot a scam, or see your options. That form is not an application for rent assistance. If you submit it, Benefits Explorer and its partners may contact you.

Washington Rent Assistance Questions

How do I get emergency rental assistance in King County?

United Way of King County runs an intake form for renters who owe back rent at their current address. Income must be at or below 80% of Area Median Income, the landlord must agree to take part, and selection is random because funding is limited. If you already have an eviction summons, also call the Housing Justice Project at 206-580-0762.

Can I apply for Seattle's new rental assistance program?

Not yet, based on the city's June 2026 announcement. Seattle was choosing agencies to run about $8 million in 2027 homelessness prevention funding, and it expects to launch an online portal next year. Until then, King County renters can use the United Way intake form or 211.

How long does United Way of King County take to pay after approval?

The program's page gives about 2 to 4 weeks in one place and 2 to 3 weeks after approval in another. Not every intake form is selected, so don't count on this money to meet a notice deadline.

Is a lawyer free in a Washington eviction case?

Renters with low incomes may be appointed a free lawyer before a court may proceed with an eviction. Eligibility depends on income. Call the Eviction Defense Screening Line at 1-855-657-8387 to find out.

Rent Assistance in Nearby States

Most programs only help people who live in their state. If you are moving or live near a state line, you can also check:

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