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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Is very very Christian?
Several thousand residents in Rome who face eviction from their rented homes by the Roman Catholic church this week have accused church bodies of indulging in a “speculative frenzy”. In a letter to Archbishop Angelo Bagnasco, the head of the Italian bishops’ conference, a committee formed by tenants said: “We have always paid the rent […]
Continue readingGiven a summons to court for eviction, because of non payment, but we have proof of payment?
My parents received a summons from the court stating that they are being evicted because of non-payment. However, my parents have the cleared check copies from the bank where it clearly shows that the landlord cashed all of the checks… What can we do? The landlord has hired an attorney should we do the same? […]
Continue readingCan anyone answer this question for me?
About a year ago I did not get along with my boyfriend very well so we broke up and I signed a room mate release form with my signature, his signature, and the complex’s manager signature on it. After we broke up, he got evicted like 4 months later. Now I get a collection notice […]
Continue readingA lien was taken against me in 2003 without my knowledge. How can this be removed?
I won a case in a rental dispute against my landlord. Within days her attorney had a lien in place against me, without informing me or my attorney. My attorney at that time has since moved away. Is there a way for me to remove this now?
Continue readingMy man got laid off in Nov. He has been depressed ever since. I love him but the relationship is now loveless.
I have know this guy for years. We decided to started dating and formed a really good relationship.We have been together for 10 months. In Nov. he got laid off from him dream job due to downsizing and now he is depressed. So depressed that he doesn’t eat or sleep properly. I try to be […]
Continue readingShould I and how do I file a fraud claim against my overtenant for not paying my rent to the landlord?
I have been subletting my apartment from an individual for over a year. As it turns out, for the last five months he has not been paying the landlord the rent I have been giving to him (he also has my security). It amounts to nearly $8000. Should I file a civil claim against him? […]
Continue readingCan I erase evictions from my credit report?
I have 2 evictions on my credit report. 1 of them is from NY in feb 2007 and the other was in MA in july 2009. The one form NY was all court fees. We moved to MA because we couldn’t pay the rent anymore. My wife was not working and she was pregnant, and […]
Continue readingShould I and how do I file a fraud claim against my overtenent for not paying my rent to the landlord?
I have been subletting my apartment from an individual for over a year. As it turns out, for the last five months he has not been paying the landlord the rent I have been giving to him (he also has my security). It amounts to nearly $8000. Should I file a civil claim against him? […]
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