NO COST Eviction Resolution Program

eviction resolution program

Pierce County Superior Court has agreed to participate in a pilot Eviction Resolution Program (ERP). ERP is mandated prior to conducting a  hearing on the Unlawful Detainer Calendar. Emergency Order #19 was filed October 7, 2020


Many landlords and tenants have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Currently there are both federal and state mandates in place prohibiting evictions based on the nonpayment of rent.  Once those mandates end, Pierce County expects a large number of eviction cases to be filed in Superior Court.  To address this anticipated increase in eviction cases, Pierce County Superior Court has established a no cost Eviction Resolution Program (ERP) which will require parties to engage in problem-solving steps before the cases come to court.  In legal terminology, eviction cases are called “unlawful detainer” cases.  


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The ERP includes communication steps between landlords and tenants, notifications to tenants with specific information, and required court forms.  The goal of the program is to bring tenants and landlords together with trained Eviction Resolution Specialists to explore solutions.  This includes accessing state and local rent assistance and creating realistic payment plans that will help tenants retain their housing and avoid the legal eviction process, while landlords benefit from continuity of occupancy and income.  

The ERP is being offered at no cost.  It is funded from federal CARES Act monies.  Tacoma-Pierce County Housing Justice Project and Pierce County Center for Dialogue and Resolution are providing the staffing for this program.  

As long as the mandates remain in place, the program is voluntary.  It will become mandatory when the mandates expire.  The Superior Court hopes that landlords and tenants will use this free program now and get a head start on problem-solving.  Complying with the program now will satisfy the mandatory requirements when the mandates expire.  

Learn About the Program

Landlords and tenants can find information on the ERP program below:

Pierce County Superior Court: https://www.co.pierce.wa.us/122/Superior-Court

Housing Justice Project:  http://www.tacomaprobono.org/hjp.html

Center for Dialogue and Resolution:  https://centerforresolution.org

Superior Court Judges’ Association:  www.courts.wa.gov/EvictionResolutionProgram


Additional Resources

Superior Court Emergency Order

ERP Overview

ERP FAQs

Tenant Informational Flyer

Landlord Informational Flyer

Tier 1 Scenarios

Tier 2 Scenarios


Emergency Order 19 - Eviction Resolution Program (amended 10/30/20)


Attachments to Emergency Order 19

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