Evictions Surge Across Washington, Leaving Low-Income Tenants in Crisis
Renters across Washington are facing an eviction crisis that’s now reached a critical level. With costs rising and legal support stretched to its limit, thousands of low-income households are being pushed out of their homes. It’s not just a numbers story—it’s a human one.
From King County to Walla Walla, courtrooms are packed, legal aid is overloaded, and tenants are fighting for stability in a system that’s buckling under pressure.
Thousands of Vulnerable Tenants
Eviction filings across Washington have surged dramatically since pandemic-era protections ended. January 2025 marked the highest spike on record, with eviction numbers in King County jumping 66% above pre-COVID levels. The broader statewide picture is just as concerning:
– Eviction filings in 2024 increased by 41% over 2023
– Since 2019, filings are up 53%
– Clark County leads the state per capita—1 in every 300 residents has faced an eviction
The causes aren’t hard to pinpoint. Rents have soared. Wages haven’t. Federal aid has dried up. And in some cases, renters are left without support due to the legal system falling behind demand.
Washington’s Right to Counsel Program Can’t Keep Up
Freepik | Despite years of success, Washington’s unique Right to Counsel for low-income tenants is now failing.
When Washington launched the Right to Counsel program in 2021, it was a bold, first-in-the-nation effort to ensure low-income tenants had legal help during eviction proceedings. For years, it worked. But now, that promise is slipping.
“We used to represent every eligible tenant,” said Philippe Knab, director of eviction defense for the Office of Civil Legal Aid. “We can’t say that anymore.”
In King County, where caseloads have overwhelmed staff, the program has started triaging. That means prioritizing cases involving children, tenants with disabilities, and non-English speakers, and leaving others to face court on their own.
Despite these limits, the program has made a difference:
– 56% of tenants with legal aid stayed in their homes
– Courtroom dynamics have shifted—evictions are no longer default judgments
Still, the backlog continues to grow, and landlords are pushing for faster resolutions. But advocates warn that speed shouldn’t override fairness.
Rent Stabilization
Washington recently joined California and Oregon in enacting statewide rent caps. The new law:
– Limits yearly increases to 7% + inflation or 10% (whichever is lower)
– Caps mobile home park rent hikes at 5%
– Requires 90 days’ notice for any rent increase
This legislation aims to stop sudden, unaffordable rent spikes that often lead to eviction. Housing advocates say it’s a win, but only a partial one.
“This won’t keep rents low,” said Michele Thomas from the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance. “It’ll just stop renters from getting completely priced out overnight.”
The People Behind the Statistics
In Spokane, eviction filings rose 30% year over year. Local legal aid teams are juggling dozens of cases per week. Despite limited staff, they’ve opened an in-person eviction prevention clinic at the public library—an attempt to reach renters before their case hits the courts.
Instagram | _spokane_wa | Facing a 30% jump in eviction filings, Spokane’s legal aid now runs a library prevention clinic.
Attorney Hannah Swensen says misconceptions about renters not wanting to pay are wildly off base. “We see disabled veterans, single moms, seniors on Social Security—people trying their best,” she said. “They’re not freeloaders. They’re just stuck.”
And in Walla Walla, the waitlist for housing assistance is now so long, applications are closed. “It’s not fair to keep people waiting five years,” said Renée Rooker of the local housing authority.
Fallout and Friction With Landlords
Landlords argue that the new rent law and eviction delays make it harder to maintain properties. Some say small property owners are being pushed out of the market altogether, leading to fewer available rentals.
Sean Flynn from the Rental Housing Association of Washington says dragging cases through court costs landlords time and money. “The real issue,” he says, “is the lack of subsidies for renters.”
But Knab pushes back. “We’re not talking about year-long foreclosure cases,” he said. “These evictions are resolved in weeks. The problem isn’t delay—it’s volume.”
A Tough Road Ahead
Legal aid teams are doing what they can. Tenants are organizing. Laws have started to shift. But the eviction crisis in Washington is far from over.
Affordable housing stock still lags far behind need, by over 166,000 units for extremely low-income renters. Cuts to Medicaid and HUD’s housing assistance programs could push even more families to the brink.
And while new rent rules bring a degree of predictability, for many, it won’t be enough to offset years of stagnant wages and rising costs.
“It’s not just about keeping a roof over your head,” said one tenant advocate. “It’s about keeping a sense of stability—something people in Washington are desperate for right now.”