Applications For King County Rental Assistance Close Friday

SEATTLE — The deadline to apply for King County's eviction protection and rental assistance program closes for tenants and landlords late Friday afternoon.

The program, launched in September, provides financial help for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including residents navigating lost income, unemployment and illness.

According to the county, the initiative seeks to help thousands of landlords and tenants, and more than 2,700 households are already receiving help.

Landlords are eligible to receive up to six months of rent, equal to 80 percent of the total rent or the "fair market" price, provided it does not surpass the amount owed. If accepted, rental debts beyond six months must be forgiven.

The county is no longer accepting applications from larger landlords but has created a waitlist for those who missed the previous October deadline, according to the county website. That waitlist will be tapped if there is money left over after the current expenditures. A lottery system is in place to assist smaller landlords in areas identified with the highest need.

Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, 2020, to allow time for the county to process claims by the end of the year. The Department of Community & Human Services said demand is outpacing resources, but the window could reopen in 2021 if more funds become available.

Eligibility will be judged based on tenant applications, landlord debt certifications and tenants' income documentation. Tenants are chosen through a weekly lottery and will be contacted if selected.

Learn more about the assistance available on the King County website.