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Tag: know your rights

Wills clinic availability

We still have slots available at our next Wills clinic. Get this task checked off your list with our help. ELAP volunteer attorneys will help you draft or finalize an important legal document like a Will, Advanced Directive, or Power of Attorney. This is our last Wills clinic of 2026,

Know your legal rights

The right to air conditioning

It looks like this week’s heat wave has passed, and we’ve returned to mild summer weather. But, did you know… If you want to be ready for the next round of hot weather, you have the right to install AC in your rental? This is thanks to a new Washington

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New state laws now in effect

Many new laws took effect on June 11 that impact people across Washington state. Here’s a recap of two we have been keeping an eye on: – Senate Bill 6237 requires landlords to disclose flood risk to renters. However, it does not require the landlord to fix damage due to

Lost your immigration attorney? Here’s what to do next.

Many people have been affected by the closure of a large immigration law practice. If you have lost your immigration attorney, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project has outlined key steps to take next: Find a qualified immigration attorney: ailalawyer.com. More information from NWIRP:

Orange banner and the text know your legal rights

Strengthening protection orders for survivors

ELAP recently stood with survivors in the Washington Court of Appeals to protect long-term safety. In the case Woods v. Owens, an abuser tried to terminate a 25-year-old protection order by arguing he had “checked the boxes” of treatment and good behavior. We joined our partners to file an amicus

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State legislature update

The 2026 state legislative session is moving at a rapid pace, with several critical bills currently being debated. We are keeping an eye on legislation that could impact tenants, survivors, and vulnerable families ELAP serves. Here are some bills worth watching: The legislature provides many ways to engage during the

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What exactly is civil legal aid and why is it so important?

By Annika Hauer, ELAP Intern Civil legal aid is legal advice for folks facing “civil” legal situations: domestic violence, housing charges or evictions, medical bills, immigration cases, and more. Civil legal aid is free, and it exists for people whom the legal system is not set up to support. InvestigateWest

Know your legal rights

Youth & young adults: Know your rights

Navigating the immigration system can be overwhelming—especially for youth and young adults who may be facing it for the first time. Whether you’re applying for DACA, figuring out your rights during an encounter with immigration officials, or seeking help with school and employment opportunities, having accurate, trustworthy information is essential.

Tips for tenants

What Washington’s new rent stabilization law says

A new rent stabilization law (HB 1217) went into effect in Washington state in May. The law sets a limit on how much a landlord may increase a tenant’s rent over a 12-month period. The Attorney General’s Office will enforce the law, and tenants may also take action to protect

Understanding small claims court

The mysteries of small claims court

Small claims court can be confusing, yet sometimes it’s the best path to solve small legal issues. For example, tenants sometimes need to take their landlord to small claims court over issues like withheld security deposits or unaddressed repairs. If you’re navigating small claims court, you may be looking for