Sec. 2.09.130. - Provision of legal services—Tenant right to counsel.
A.
The city hereby establishes, and the city manager must implement to the extent funding
is appropriated or received, a tenant right to counsel program to provide legal services
for a tenant in a covered proceeding.
B.
A tenant with an agreement with a landlord for the tenant's use of the landlord's
property is eligible for civil legal services for covered proceedings.
C.
A tenant facing eviction may access legal services, regardless of whether an action
for possession has been filed in court, to communicate with a landlord, formally or
informally mediate with a landlord, or defend an action for possession or other covered
proceedings. Counsel for the program may agree to initiate litigation on behalf of
a tenant if such litigation fulfills the purpose of this division.
D.
A tenant receiving housing choice vouchers through the Federal Department of Housing
and Urban Development may access legal services for covered proceedings.
E.
Legal representation of a tenant through a contracted provider of legal services creates
an attorney-client relationship. Legal services may include, but are not limited to,
full representation of a tenant in a covered proceeding or limited scope representation
of a tenant when appropriate and agreed to by the attorney and client.
F.
A tenant who has obtained legal services must seek mediation with the landlord, to
the extent practical, as a requirement of accessing legal services.
(Ord. No. 2025-11, § 1, 12-16-2025)