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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Help with writ of garnishment against tenant in MD?

I am about to file a writ of garnishment of wages against my tenant, since I have a court order, properly executed eviction, etc. However, I have 2 questions: 1) on the form, I am supposed to put the last known address of this guy. Well, he moved without telling me where he was going […]

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I rcvd a letter saying the house I rent was sold to foreclosure – I must vacate – my landlord denies?

I received a letter a saying the house I rent may be sold to forclosure on 09/01/09. I called the attorney listed in the letter on 09/08 and was told the property was sold. I have a new letter stating the property was sold and I would need to vacate the property. Since I am […]

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Do you like my new Christmas song?

I think it kinda fits the current situation… And yes there is a little truth to it aswell… Me and my husband both got layoffs after decades of loyalty to our jobs. We have lost almost all of our 401k’s and well, we are already preparing to loose our house and live elswhere….Happy Holidays to […]

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Can Tenant file a lawsuit against Landlord, NEW YORK STATE?

In Court papers my landlord claimed that my family and myself were squatters & moved into his property illegally, prior to the court he brought the sheriffs to throw us out but they instead informed him of following proper procedures, he has turn the water off, cut the lights and a lot of other stuff, […]

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Buk – I have reached my answering limit for the day, but I cannot let your last question go unanswered?

I consider myself somewhat of a scientist as well. My landlord came to me the other day and told me that I would have to get rid of all of the scientific experiments that I grow in my kitchen. When I tried to explain to him that I could not just throw them out, he […]

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Is a seven day notice to cure the right legal form to file?

My fathers owns a few houses and I do the legal paperwork for him. We are satisfied with most of our tenants with the exception of one. This particular tenant has broken his leas by having more people living there than what is allowed on the leas. We are positive that he has an additional […]

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Is there any legal language that states who pays (atty fees) in Landlord/Tenant court?

Hello, I live in New York City and I had to take my landlord to court to get a new lease, as they were holding it back from me becasue they thought I was subletting the place. (I had a roommate that couldn’t pay rent and I asked him to move out and I guess […]

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Can I give 30 day notice to brand new resident and have it serve as notice to vacate too?

We approved a resident’s application and received their deposit but because of scheduling problems we said we would have them sign the lease later. They moved in and we immediately got a complaint about their teenage boy from another resident. When they came in to sign the lease we told them we were no longer […]

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