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.
425-641-8010
HELP I NEED AN ONLINE COPY OF A MOTION TO QUASH!!!!! IN CALIF. please help?
i have 4 children the owner of the house i;ve been renting for a year now lost the house to for-closer.i have never been served with eviction papers and now i get a paper in the mail called entry of judgment i call the attorney’s office they tell me the sheriff will out to lock […]
Continue readingLandlord won’t make repairs. It’s been over a year what do I do?
My husband and I have been going through a rough time and it is affecting our marriage. Please help! I pay rent monthly. There are no late fees I just have to call the landlord before the 30th of the month and tell him what day I need to pay rent. Up until now this […]
Continue readingLease Question? Breaking Lease?
Now before I begin, I am well aware that when I moved in I signed a contract. Now to my situation. I moved to Boston a few months ago to continue my education. I live with one of my best friends, who is also studying at the same university. We have only been living here […]
Continue readingCan I be held liable if a judgment entered against me was for the wrong amount?
According to an eviction notice, the amount my landlord’s attorney said I owed was $1895.00. That included the back rent, attorney’s fees and court costs. While at court their attorney wrote up an agreement in front of me that we both agreed to and signed. According to that agreement the total owed to the landlord […]
Continue readingwhat do i do?
my bf always gets his tax retrn in 24hrs of filing. has for 10 years. he didnt qualify this year. the rent is 13 days late. a few days ago i panicked and told the landlord that i sent the check already. she stopped by today and left a 3 day notice to pay or […]
Continue readingQuestion about tenant issues – probably not appropriate here but I don’t have time to find an attorney?
this is Chicago Il tenant landlord law. We looked at an apartment that is for rent, the landlord told us it would be available Oct 5th. We did not sign a lease and did not definitely agree to take the unit. The landlord however told us that we had to pay a $100 application fee […]
Continue readingBig Brother 12 (USA) – This is what Matt SHOULD have done?
He should have realized that the rest of the Brigade is absolutely NOTHING without him, as he is the only one that can win competitions (he even has complained about Enzo and Lane not even trying in competitions). He also should have realized that it is only a matter of time before the Brigade turns […]
Continue readingwhat are the laws in Illinois concerning last month’s rent if your landlord terminates your lease early?
I signed a 1 year lease for a condo sublet in IL. We paid the 1st month’s rent, last month’s rent and a security deposit up front. halfway through the 9th month, I received a notice from an attorney notifying me that my landlord hadn’t paid the last 5 months’ association fees and that the […]
Continue reading