Financial and legal assistance are available through the City of Kirkland or one of its partners for people behind on rent or mortgage payments, and for landlords with renters unable to pay due to COVID-19.

Earlier this month, the Kirkland City Council passed an eviction moratorium through September 30, 2021, to allow time for renters and landlords to apply for assistance with unpaid rent during this time. Gov. Jay Inslee also announced a “bridge” proclamation between the eviction moratorium and housing stability programs which is effective July 1 through September 30.

“The economic upheaval caused by the pandemic has rippled throughout our community and exacerbated the rental crisis, particularly for low-income households. It’s critical that people are connected with the resources that they need to stay housed,” said Kirkland City Councilmember Amy Falcone. “Helping our neighbors stay in their homes prevents the trauma of experiencing homelessness, and it also is smart financially since rehoming neighbors requires more community resources than keeping them housed.”

Renters behind in rent and homeowners and landlords behind on mortgage payments are encouraged to connect with City staff to help answer questions about the extended moratorium and help navigate the programs and assistance that are available through the State, the County, and the city’s partner organizations.

For help, visit www.kirklandwa.gov/housing-help or contact the City of Kirkland at housinghelp@kirklandwa.gov or 425-587-3326. Staff can also answer any questions about the extended moratorium.

If you have questions about an eviction notice, call the Housing Justice Project at (877) 211-9274. To learn more about tenant rights, call Eastside Legal Assistance Program at (425) 747-7274. King County’s Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program helps residents behind in rent and landlords owed rents due to COVID-19. Apply at rent-help.kingcounty.gov.

“The trauma of the pandemic is not over for many families. Homelessness is on the rise in Washington state and nationwide because of COVID – whether through job loss, lack of financial and family support, or suffering on-going health impacts. It’s more important than ever that there’s help for people to stay housed,” said Councilmember Neal Black. “Landlords, too, have been severely impacted by people unable to pay their rent.”