The sale of 191 rental units is dead for the time being, but residents of the Lock Vista Apartments are still recovering from the disruption of potential eviction from their homes.

About a dozen residents met last week with a representative from the Tenants Union of Washington State to get a run down of their rights as renters after hearing the sale of their four-building complex had fallen through.

The Northlake Group was in negotiations to buy the Lock Vista for the last several months to convert the units to condominiums. But the sale was never finalized because the development company couldn't "meet its obligation to complete the transaction," according to a letter circulated to tenants two weeks ago by Lock Vista management.

Northlake has converted more than 100 Ballard apartments to condominiums.

Veronica White, a spokesperson for the building's owners, Lock Vista Apartments, LLC, has confirmed the property is not currently for sale. However, management has said the Northlake offer was unsolicited.

"A future sale of the property, while not anticipated at this time, cannot be ruled out as Seattle continues to be an active real estate and investment market," stated Chris McCarty of Dominion Real Estate, which manages the buildings.

Michele Thomas, a community organizer with the tenants union, congratulated residents for bringing attention to the issue of displacement and the shrinking rental market due to conversions. She said their efforts have propelled legislation that could affect the entire state.

"People are watching your building as a signal of not only what is happening in Ballard but what's happening in the city," said Thomas. "People are fed up."

Shortly after learning of the possible sale and conversion of their homes last summer, several residents formed Save Lock Vista Organization and held public meetings to gather support to save the rentals. At least 50 residents moved out as the sale to Northlake loomed.

With the help of John Fox with the Seattle Displacement Coalition, the aim was to enlist a non-profit or the Seattle Housing Authority to purchase and preserve the units as rentals. Rental rates at Lock Vista are some of the lowest in the area, with studios starting around $600.

Some residents have traveled to Olympia to testify to the state Legislature in support of bills moving through the House and the Senate this session, which seek to give cities the right to limit the number of condo conversions and boost aid to displaced renters.

Another bill could make it easier for a non-profit to purchase rental buildings like the Lock Vista.

The "affordable housing and community facilities rapid response loan program" bill would make low interest loans available to non-profits and housing authorities to buy property for affordable housing and community facility development. The bills are backed by Ballard's state Reps. Mary Lou Dickerson and Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, both Democrats.

Virginia Felton, spokeswoman for the Seattle Housing Authority, said without that kind of a loan program, the organization couldn't afford to purchase the Lock Vista, which was going to be bought for more than $30 million.

But Fox said now is the time for a non-profit buyer to step in so the building can be retained as long-term affordable rentals.

"As long as the Lock Vista remains in private hands ... it is at serious risk of being lost either to conversion or speculative sale," Fox said. "We cannot afford to lose this building."

Some of the Save the Lock Vista organizers fear retaliation from Lock Vista management because of their efforts to save their homes. Thomas explained renters in Seattle are protected by state laws but also city of Seattle ordinances, which makes it illegal for landlords to retaliate in response to a tenant's efforts to organize or protest.

Tenants are concerned about a future sale, but also how that would be communicated to them. Residents have said they found out about the conversion last year from a notice posted on their door from the city planning department notifying them of a pre-sale inspection.

It had been difficult to get information from management about the status of the sale, said tenants at last week's meeting.

When contacted about these concerns, building management said residents should contact them directly with any questions.

Thomas suggested they ask the property owners to sign a "good faith agreement" that would legally bind them to inform residents of certain actions, such as when the property is up for sale or when an offer has been made for purchase.

"You have a right to know what is going to happen to your homes," she said. "All you are asking for is transparency."

Rebekah Schilperoort may be reached at 783.1244 or rebekahs@robinsonnews.com