Tenants Union of Washington State Spokane
Tenants Union of Washington State – Spokane Office
Website: [1](https://tenantsunion.org/rights/spokane-tenants-rights-and-resources)
Founded: 1977 (Statewide); Spokane Office Established in 2000s
Type: 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
EIN: 91-1064313
Main Office: 25 W Main Ave, Third Floor C-1, Spokane, WA 99201
Phone: (509) 464-7620
Email: terria@tenantsunion.org
Social Media: Facebook
Mission
The Tenants Union of Washington State (TUWS) is committed to creating housing justice through empowerment-based education, leadership development, outreach, organizing, and advocacy. The Spokane office focuses on supporting tenants in Eastern Washington by providing resources, counseling, and organizing opportunities to address housing challenges.
History
Founded in Seattle in 1977, the Tenants Union began as a volunteer-run tenants' rights hotline. Over the years, it expanded its reach across Washington State. The Spokane office was established to address the unique housing challenges faced by tenants in Eastern Washington, offering localized support and advocacy.
Programs and Services
Tenant Counseling
The Spokane office provides one-on-one tenant counseling to educate and inform tenants about their rights and responsibilities. Services include guidance on landlord-tenant laws, eviction processes, and referrals to legal and financial resources.
Community Organizing
TUWS Spokane organizes tenants living in HUD Section 8 project-based buildings and public housing to form tenant associations. These associations collectively address housing and quality of life issues, empowering tenants to advocate for their rights.
Educational Workshops
The organization conducts "Know Your Rights" workshops to educate tenants on various aspects of housing laws, rental agreements, and dispute resolution. These workshops aim to empower tenants with the knowledge to navigate housing challenges effectively.
Policy Advocacy
TUWS Spokane actively engages in policy advocacy to influence housing legislation at the local and state levels. The organization works to enact laws that protect tenants' rights and promote equitable housing practices.
Spokane Tenant Protections
Thanks to advocacy efforts, Spokane has implemented several tenant protection ordinances:
- **Ordinance No. C-36330**: Requires landlords to register long-term rental properties, includes funding for code enforcement officers, tenant relocation services, and related initiatives.
- **Ordinance No. C-36366**: Establishes a background/credit check program, enforcement mechanisms, tenant funds, and city regulations.
- **Ordinance No. C-36515**: Effective June 1, 2024, mandates that landlords provide:
* 120 days' written notice for rent increases equal to or less than 3%. * 180 days' written notice for rent increases greater than 3%.
Leadership
Terri Anderson serves as the Co-Executive Director of the Tenants Union of Washington State and leads the Spokane office. With a deep understanding of renters' challenges, she is passionate about advocating for tenants' rights and systemic housing reforms.
