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Property Tax Exemption King County: HOMES Program Helps Residents Apply

Property Tax Exemption King County: HOMES Program Helps Residents Apply

by | Mar 31, 2025

Starting in May 2025, a powerful new resource is available to help eligible residents apply for the property tax exemption King County offers. The HOMES program—short for Homeowners’ Outreach, Mentoring, and Education Services—supports older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities in completing their applications for this valuable benefit.

Thanks to a recent income limit increase to $84,000, more residents now qualify for the property tax exemption King County provides, helping ease the financial burden for those who need it most.

What Services Does HOMES Provide?

Application Assistance Workshops

Starting in May 2025, HOMES will host monthly in-person workshops on the third Saturday of each month. During these workshops, trained counselors will be available to help residents complete their property tax exemption applications.

Workshop Dates:

  • May 17

  • June 21

  • July 19

  • August 16

  • September 20

  • October 18

  • November 15

  • December 20

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be 62 or older during the year you apply

  • OR be disabled or a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 80% or more

What to Bring:

  • Previous year’s tax return

  • Disability verification letter

  • Proof of age/ID (WA driver’s license or similar)

  • Property ownership documents (such as a deed)

  • Records of out-of-pocket medical expenses (doctor’s letters, pharmacy records, bank statements, etc.)

 

Virtual Information Hub

Beginning in June, the King County Dispute Resolution Center (KCDRC) will host virtual Information Hub meetings. These sessions are open to all homeowners and provide access to a range of community resources focused on foreclosure prevention.

KCDRC is a trusted nonprofit offering mediation and conflict resolution services. Their mediators have helped many residents navigate housing challenges and avoid foreclosure through guided conversations and problem-solving.

How to Get Involved

Whether you’re a homeowner concerned about rising taxes or supporting a loved one through the application process, the HOMES program is here to guide you every step of the way.

Together, we can build stronger, more stable communities—one home at a time.

Rental Dispute Mediation for Tenants and Landlords

Rental Dispute Mediation for Tenants and Landlords

by | Feb 5, 2025

Renting a home or apartment can be a great experience, but disputes between tenants and landlords are not uncommon. Whether it’s over maintenance issues, security deposits, or lease agreements, disagreements can escalate quickly. Fortunately, mediation services offer a practical and cost-effective way to resolve these conflicts without unnecessary stress. If you’re a tenant or landlord facing a dispute, here’s why mediation might be the best option for you.

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third party helps both sides communicate and reach a mutually agreeable solution. Unlike formal proceedings, mediation is informal, confidential, and often much faster. The mediator doesn’t impose a decision but facilitates a conversation that allows both parties to express their concerns and work toward a fair outcome.

 

Benefits of Mediation for Tenants and Landlords

  1. Cost-Effective: Legal fees can be expensive, but mediation is usually much more affordable. Many community mediation centers even offer free or low-cost services.
  2. Faster Resolution: Court cases can take months, but mediation often resolves disputes within a few sessions.
  3. Confidential: Unlike public records, mediation discussions remain private, which can help preserve relationships and reputations.
  4. More Control: Instead of leaving the decision to someone else, both parties work together to find a solution that meets their needs.
  5. Improved Communication: Mediation fosters open dialogue, helping tenants and landlords better understand each other’s perspectives and potentially improving their relationship.

 

Common Rental Disputes Resolved Through Mediation

  • Security deposit disagreements: Many tenants face challenges in getting their security deposits back, and landlords need to ensure damages are covered. Mediation can help find a fair resolution.
  • Maintenance and repair issues: If repairs are not being addressed, mediation allows tenants and landlords to agree on a plan without unnecessary conflict.
  • Lease misunderstandings: Differences in interpreting lease terms can lead to confusion. Mediation helps clarify responsibilities and expectations.
  • Noise complaints: Disputes with neighbors can be tricky, but mediation encourages compromise and mutual respect.
  • Eviction concerns: In cases where eviction is threatened, mediation may help tenants and landlords explore alternative solutions.

 

How to Prepare for Mediation

  1. Gather Relevant Information: Bring anything that supports a clearer picture, such as lease agreements, written communication, or maintenance requests.
  2. Identify Your Goals: Determine what outcome you hope to achieve from mediation. Be clear on your needs and open to discussion.
  3. Stay Open-Minded: The goal is to find a resolution that works for both parties, so be ready to listen and consider different solutions.
  4. Maintain a Respectful Approach: Approach the mediation process with a calm and constructive attitude. Positive communication increases the chances of success.

 

Next Steps

If you’re dealing with a rental dispute, mediation can be a helpful tool to resolve conflicts efficiently and amicably. By choosing mediation, tenants and landlords can save time and money while maintaining better relationships. Before taking further steps, consider reaching out to a local mediation service here —you may find a solution that works well for everyone involved.

Community Partner of the Year Award

Community Partner of the Year Award

by | Feb 25, 2024

In January, the Dispute Resolution Center of King County was proud to receive the 2023 Community Partner of the Year Award, along with Solid Ground, from the Eastside Legal Assistance Program. When members of the three organizations gathered together, it was a first-time meeting in person after collaborating for more than a year virtually.

ELAP bestowed this shared honor on KCDRC and Solid Ground thanks to a partnership forged and managed by KCDRC’s Strategic Development and Special Project Advisor, Marilyn. She created a weekly housing clinic that provided information and conflict coaching for people with rental housing eviction issues during COVID-19. The weekly clinics started in March 2022 and concluded in June 2023 as the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP) ended. The other organizations involved in the partnership included Tenant Law Center (TLC) of Catholic Community Services, Northwest Justice Project, and the Rental Housing Association of Washington. We are proud to accept this award because it represents the thousands of people helped to preserve rental housing in King County as a result of the pandemic.

The housing clinic partnership was also presented by ELAP at a recent Access to Justice conference as a best practice model. We hope that other organizations learn from the success we had and that they will create new collaborations to address all sorts of community issues.

KCDRC has been an active part of the King County community since our founding in 1986. We understand how important it is to connect with other organizations and groups throughout the community to gain the best understanding of who we are serving. Establishing effective partnerships is vital to our ongoing success. We are always seeking new partnerships that help strengthen our mission, and we welcome ideas from our community about new opportunities for collaboration.

VISTA – The Voluntary Initiative for Stable Tenancy and Affordability

VISTA – The Voluntary Initiative for Stable Tenancy and Affordability

by | Oct 20, 2023

The Dispute Resolution Center of King County is excited to announce the launch of a new program to help stabilize rental housing throughout King County. The Voluntary Initiative for Stable Tenancy and Affordability (VISTA) is an alternative to court proceedings that can be costly and time-intensive for everyone involved.

Caroline D., Director of Mediation Services, explains, “We saw a big need in King County to assist tenants and landlords in rental housing communities to find solutions to their conflicts in order to increase housing stability. Instead of immediately heading to eviction court when tenants have unpaid past-due rent, VISTA parties can voluntarily come to KCDRC for conflict coaching and mediation that will create another option to solve their problems. In most cases, it is a faster, less expensive, and more satisfactory resolution for everyone.”

VISTA Housing Program Manager, Sarah G., notes that 15 number of professional mediators have already signed up to volunteer their services for this new program. “The enthusiasm that our community has shown for this new program is really exciting. Many volunteers were involved with the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP)  over the last few years, and they want to continue this important work to increase housing stability and reduce the number of people becoming homeless in our community.”

KCDRC is a non-profit in King County that has been providing alternative dispute resolution services, including mediation and conflict coaching, since its founding in 1986. Last year, more than 7,500 residents and businesses used DRC services to solve disputes. To learn more about our services, visit www.kcdrc.org.