Eviction Likely When Tenants Lack Legal Representation - My Take on Housing Public Policy

October 7, 2019

Eric Tegethoff, Public News Service - WA

SEATTLE — Most renters facing eviction lack access to legal counsel, and because of that, are set up to fail, says a new analysis.

The Center for American Progress brief found nationwide, about 90% of landlords have legal representation in eviction cases, while only 10% of tenants do.

According to University of Washington research, more than 130,000 adults in the state were evicted between 2013 and 2017.

Seattle attorney Andrew Ackley said even with favorable state laws on their side, renters still struggle to afford representation in Washington.