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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How do you sue for rent?
My question involves an eviction in the state of: New York Hello, I’m renting out a house and the tenant hasn’t paid the rent for 3 months. He doesn’t answer the phone, and I live far away from the house I’m renting out so it’s very difficult for me to go there and check up […]
Continue readingMaking a withdrawal from 401K?
My husband is in the process of filling the form out to withdrawal from his 401K. For the reason he put to prevent eviction. We own a house and we are having trouble paying not just the house bills, but all of our bills. He is asking for $5000. I know as far as paper […]
Continue readingApt. MISERY — need help. Landlord promised a quiet environment verbally but promise was not kept. It has been?
This place is awful– police have been out here multiple times for noise complaints but its been going on for 2 months now and apparently they never cite them because “its a university town and kids party”. I have lost sleep, been placed on meds for stress and my schooling has been ruined – focus […]
Continue readingCan I get personal property back after it was taken by the leasing company that also evicted me?
Last Oct I was evicted from my apartment for failure to pay rent. I lost my job and outright didn’t pay more than a portion of one month of the three months I lived there. Prior to the eviction, some unfriendly women working for the Lend leasing company came banging on my door so loud […]
Continue readingWill my Renter’s Ins. that doesn’t discriminate against Pit Bulls override my landlord’s policy that does?
I’m trying to rescue a Pit Bull. My renter’s insurance policy doesn’t discriminate against any breeds (kudo’s to them!!!) and will cover any damage caused by the dog if anything ever happens. Does my policy override my landlords homeowners policy that says “Breeds of Concern” (which includes Pits) are not allowed? Would signing a legally-binding […]
Continue readingWhen can we move without breaking our lease if landlord in foreclosure (just posted, sale 4/7) in Texas?
We just found out Saturday that our landlord is in foreclosure via a letter from an attorney. Monday, the landlord said it was a big mistake and they just hadn’t paid property taxes yet. Checked public records and that turned out to be a lie. Landlord is MIA now. I checked pub records again today […]
Continue readingCan someone explain the eviction time line to me in english?
I’ve searched endlessly for something that isn’t copied/pasted legal talk, but I’ve found nothing. I’ll explain my situation below. I’m NOT looking for anything copied from a website. I can google just fine on my own. I need it explained, especially the time lines. I was recently released from jail to find out (not surprisingly) […]
Continue readingI received a noitce of Security Deposit Refund from my ex-landlord. ?
I moved out of my apartment on the date specified by the judge in a court ordered money judgement/possesion. This was a consent judgement, I showed up for court, and I received the court papers before leaving. I recieved in the mail on yesterday a notice from the property manager dated Oct. 17th, 29 days […]
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