In Washington, a state-run housing initiative aimed at giving low-income tenants the opportunity to buy their homes has failed to deliver, leaving lawmakers and affected residents frustrated. Despite promising long-term tenants a chance to transition from renters to homeowners, the program, known as Eventual Tenant Ownership, has led to zero home purchases since its inception.
At the heart of the issue is a new state audit revealing significant mismanagement and a lack of oversight. The findings were discussed at a bipartisan legislative hearing on December 4, where state auditors uncovered that 135 eligible homes had not been sold to tenants, despite meeting the program’s criteria. The program, which operates primarily in Native American communities, promised tenants the chance to purchase their homes after renting for 15 years. Yet, as Rep. Gerry Pollet, D-Seattle, pointed out, thousands of Native American families have yet to see that promise fulfilled.
“It’s clear that there has been serious mismanagement,” Pollet said after the hearing. “Native American tenants are not getting to own the homes they’ve lived in for years.”