Know your rights

The right to organize

Who is in the Lockhaven Tenants Union? You, if you live here and want to join. Please check back here for info about the next meeting. We've only just begun, so you haven't missed very much.

And don't be afraid.  The right of tenants to organize is expressly protected by Seattle law:

SMC 22.206.180(7): Prohibited acts by owners

Under the Seattle Housing and Building Maintenance Codes, Seattle landlords are prohibited from preventing or discriminating against tenants who are organizing in their buildings. Organizing activities include passing out flyers and information to your neighbors, posting information in common areas, creating connection with your neighbors and inviting them to get involved, and holding meetings that are unattended by management or agents of the landlord in the building. If the landlord takes any undue negative action against a tenant who has participated in one of these organizing activities, it is automatically assumed to be retaliation and is illegal. If you would like more information or want to report retaliation by your landlord for organizing in your building, contact the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) at 206.615.0808.

The right to compensation

Tenant Relocation Assistance Law mandates that if the Lockhaven owners kick you out, you may be able to get 3000+ bucks if your household earns less that 50 percent of the median. Here is a PDF with details about this law.

And more

You've got more rights and power than you might think. Find out more:

• Solid Ground
• Tenants Union of Washington State