More Information | How to Reach Us
Solid Ground's Housing Counseling services include:
1) Information and assistance on rights and responsibilities under local and State eviction and foreclosure statutes.
2) Assistance negotiating with landlords and lenders for households experiencing a housing crisis.
3) Modest financial assistance to prevent housing loss for eligible households.
4) Financial skills counseling and workshops, including Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) recruitment and case management.
5) Reverse equity mortgage counseling for senior homeowners.
Tenant Counseling
Solid Ground's Tenant Counseling services operates a statewide hotline for tenants seeking information on the Residential Landlord/Tenant Act, and we provide resources on renters' rights for repairs, deposits and evictions. Tenant Counselors can help with housing search resources and what to do in case of discrimination or harassment, and we provide information on issues such as proper notices for rent increases, rule changes, termination of tenancy and landlord entry. Legal referrals and other community resources are coupled with action plans appropriate to each tenant's needs. Anyone in Washington State can call for information and referrals related to tenancy by calling the Tenant Services hotline (see below) to speak to a tenant counselor. Counselors are available at this number every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Mortgage Default Counseling
Our Mortgage Counselors work with homeowners in King, Snohomish, Skagit, Island and Whatcom Counties to avoid foreclosure. Counselors provide information on the foreclosure process, and can provide one-to-one assistance to secure community resources, develop a household budget, and negotiate with lenders for repayment strategies.
Predatory Lending Prevention
Abusive lending practices take advantage of borrowers by charging higher fees and hidden costs. Every borrower is at risk, however predatory lenders target communities of color, the elderly and those with less-than-perfect credit. As members of the Coalition for Responsible Lending, our Mortgage Counselors can give you the information and referrals you need to educate and protect yourself from predatory lenders.
- Mortgage Counseling Client Hotline: 206.694.6766 or toll-free 1.866.297.4300
- You can also see links to a number of other websites that deal with this issue by clicking here.
Reverse Equity Mortgage Counseling
A reverse equity mortgage can be a great option for seniors who are "house rich/cash poor" by giving them money for their home while they continue to live in it. We provide free counseling to seniors who want to know more about this option.
- Mortgage Counseling Client Hotline: 206.694.6766 or toll-free 1.866.297.4300
- You can also read general information about these types of mortgages on the AARP website.
Free Legal Advice/Services
Tenants' Concerns: Sample Letters & Laws
The following are sample letters (and the laws related to them) that tenants can draw from to address the following common Tenant/Landlord concerns:
Information on Buying a Home
- We partner with local agencies that help low- and moderate-income households achieve their dream of homeownership, and some of these partners can provide substantial down payment assistance. Our counselors can provide a quick screening for appropriate programs, and refer callers to the right agency for their needs, but you may also call the Community Home Ownership Center at 206.587.5641.
- Watch one of our counselors talk with Q13 news about the impact adjustable rate and subprime mortgages are having on some homeowners, and how we can help!
Phones: Mortgage Counseling Client Hotline: 206.694.6766
Landlord/Tenant Client Hotline: 206.694.6767
Email: housingcounseling@solid-ground.org
FAX: 206.694.6795
Address: Housing Counseling
Solid Ground
1501 North 45th Street
Seattle, WA 98103-6708