What is Renter Certification?

Renter Certification helps people gain meaningful housing through communication training, connection to resources, and mediation services. We currently offer Renter Certification for people in Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor, Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties.

In our 2-hour Renter Certification classes, you will learn about:

- Learn about the basics of renting (e.g., rental contract, credit history) and your rights as a tenant.
- Develop a rental resume and budget.
- Learn effective communication skills to improve conversations with your landlord (e.g., active listening, negotiating).
Learn about our conflict coaching and mediation services that are offered to people who complete the Renter Certification class. Our conflict coaching and mediation services help create bridges that support reentry for people who are experiencing landlord-tenant conflict.

DRC trainings are highly interactive, collaborative, and engaging. Our strengths-based learning environment encourages students to share, explore, and learn from one another. We use many learning methods including lecture, demonstrations, and small group activities. The concepts, skills and lessons we teach at the DRC are designed to improve communication, enhance relationships, and foster learning in all settings.

Next Renter’s Certification Class:
February 11, 2026 via Zoom

Renter Certification is a skills-based education program offered in a classroom setting. In our Renter Certification class, you will receive information about: Housing support, communication skills and mediation services.

An added bonus for this class: Jason from the Northwest Justice Project (NWJP) will be joining us for this class! Jason will teach us how to use NWJP's website portal to gain access to information and applications for free legal aid!