Landlord-tenant and eviction law has been completely overhauled. New laws at every level impact the rights of landlords and tenants and the eviction process. Most of the changes are permanent.

Washington state law guarantees tenants the right to free legal counsel and requires just cause to terminate any residential tenancy.

Residential landlords may no longer evict based on a "20-day" notice. To end the tenancy because the lease expired requires a notice served at least 60 days prior to the end of the lease term, and is not always an option. If all authorized tenants vacate, residential landlords must offer other occupants (even if unauthorized) who have been living in the property for at least six months a chance to apply to join the rental agreement.

There is a litany of new local landlord-tenant and eviction laws throughout Washington. In both Tacoma and Seattle, residential landlords have to contend with a winter eviction ban and a school-year eviction ban. Laws in many localities require additional language on notices and/or additional documents to be served with notices. A landlord must comply with local laws at the city and county levels and with court rules in each county. Interpretation of state and federal laws varies in fundamental ways from county to county.

Local know-how is more important than ever when considering a landlord-tenant attorney.

This website is published by an eviction lawyer who practices in various Washington counties. There is also a lawyer directory where you may find an attorney near you in counties we do not cover. We are not affiliated with any of the attorneys in the directory nor do we accept anything of value for listings in the directory.

Any information on this website, including but not limited to any forms posted, is not a substitute for legal advice. It is always best to consult with a lawyer before taking any action.

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What is the best type of lawyer to contact concerning security deposit not returned?

My landlord will not return my $2300 security deposit and I’m taking her to court, looking for a good attorney right now to take the case. Not sure the kind to look up. Thanks for any help

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What are the chances of us getting our refund back after it has been seized for a defaulted student loans?

I was wondering if anyone else has gone through the same thing. Supposedly we can fill out the economic hardship form and send them all our info and they would work with us and maybe give us our refund back. Has this been a success for anyone, or should I just start packing our stuff […]

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Letter to landlord, please help?

I need a professional letter sample in which I let the landlord know that the utility fees are in arrears and that he needs to attend to it. Also that he, and not me will be held liable for all legal fees should the matter go so far. I can’t find anything like that on […]

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How to I get my fathers stuff out of his house, when his soon to be ex wife calls the cops if I “trespass”?

The house is in Washington State, my father is working over in Florida for months at a time and cant leave for fear of losing his job. My father and his “wife” have been given a 20 day eviction notice. If I try to go to the property she calls the cops. Is there some […]

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What is taxable in Personal injury settlement under the US tax code?

I’m suing my landlord/his insurance company, because a few years ago I fell down a common stairwell after the landlord had removed the carpeting, but not the nails. I have a good personal injury attorney, but she’s not sure about tax questions.

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I am not sure whether to ask my Maid of Honor to step down?

Here is the break down …I am getting married in 8 months and yes I know there is some time…my Maid of Honor is going through an awful time in her life right now and I feel like to have her focus on my life is selfish of me I asked her about 11 months […]

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After eviction,landlord files for past due included the rent, late fees, utility due until term of lease ends?

landlord has put an collection for rent past due and the payments due up to the term of the lease- 6 months including the late fees and water bill, the attorney representing the compnay states that landlord can get up to 6 months of rent after eviction. I was evicted in Jan 14, claims notices […]

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Landlord is charging me $1058.37 for last apartment can they do that?

I recently moved from a 2 bed to a 3 bed. I put down a deposit of $350.00 on my last place. When I moved out the place was not pristine, but it certainly was not damaged in any way. I left a kind of dirty bathtub, everything else was scrubbed. Didnt mop the kitchen […]

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