Official website of the
City of Vancouver, Washington

Community Mediation

Landlord Tenant Mediation

Community MediationProgram Summary:

If you are a landlord or a tenant, you should know that Community Mediation Services (CMS) provides a free mediation program for  residential landlords and tenants of Clark County, Washington. 

In mediation you will have the opportunity to:

• Informally discuss your situation.
• Constructively explore your differences.
• Find common ground.
• Negotiate a mutually agreeable outcome.  
  

Is CMS what you are looking for?

Are you a current landlord or tenant with issues regarding:
 -- Interpretation of month to month / lease agreements?
 -- Understanding of rights and obligations?
 -- Communication problems?

In most of these situations mediations can help.

Are you unsure?  Call us to discuss.  If you are seeking a service CMS does not provide, we will refer you to other resources.  CMS does not provide legal advice.

Who are the mediators?

The mediators:

• Are professionally trained volunteers and staff who have 40 hours of training and a year-long practicum.
• Are impartial  - they do not take sides.
• Act as a sounding board - they will listen and help you understand and explore your options.
• Will help you work together to reach agreements that work for all parties.

Mediation is future oriented

If a landlord-tenant relationship will continue, the parties can make agreements on how to approach future issues more effectively.

Mediation through CMS has many benefits!

“How much does mediation cost?”
Mediation through CMS is free!

“I am concerned about my reputation if this becomes public.” 
With limited exceptions, mediation is confidential!  Unless an agreement is reached, or an exception  applies, the parties decide who gets to know what happened.

“What if I change my mind?”
Mediation is voluntary!  The parties are in control of what agreements they make.

“How are mediations scheduled?”
Mediation is flexible!  CMS will seek to arrange a meeting convenient to the parties’ schedules

How to Get Started

You can start the mediation process by contacting CMS.   A trained mediator will listen to your concerns, help identify the issues involved, and describe our services.

If you choose to use our service (and the situation is appropriate for CMS), the mediator will ask your permission to contact the other
person(s) involved, briefly explain your concern, listen to their perspective and explore their willingness to work with you in mediation.

Contact Information:
Contact Person:   Kevin Carlisle
Landlord-Tenant Mediation Coordinator
Phone:  360 619 1151
Email:   Kevin.Carlisle@ci.vancouver.wa.us