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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landlord lied on eviction form…what can i do?
My son and I had renting a home semi attached to my landlord for over 2 years. we had very few problems with him aside from a few noise complaints from him…( bachelorette parties and such over the years) I was served an eviction notice for reasons stating that himself and his wife wanted to […]
Continue readingWhat kind of lawyer do I need to begin eviction proceedings?
I have sent an eviction warning to my tenants and they have yet to repsond or send any form of payment. What type of lawley do I need to contact in order to get an eviction started? This is in Missouri.
Continue readinghow do i respond to an eviction summons?
i fell on some hard times in california,how do i respond to an eviction summons? i know the forms but where do i send it if i have to send it to someone? do i go down to the court? helppp im lost 🙁 oh and its from the landlord not the sheriff
Continue readingwhere can i obtain a notice of eviction?
i need to get one for my husband, whose the landlord of the area. i heard that i get it from court? but im lost here. i mean what do i say when i get there? like do i just say ” can i get a form of eviction?” sorry my english is bad its […]
Continue readingWashington Court of Appeals Rules on Late Fees
The Washington Court of Appeals ruled that late fees may be demanded on a three-day notice to pay rent or vacate, rather than on a separate 10-day notice to comply or vacate. However, the opinion is unpublished and therefore has no value except to the parties to the particular case. A motion to publish is […]
Continue readingDistress for Rent
At common law the landlord had a right to distress for rent. If rent was unpaid the landlord could seize any property found in the leased premises and hold in ransom for rent or sell it to cover unpaid rent. Property the tenant uses in a trade or business was exempt.
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