Washington LawHelp

 

The Washington State Legislature just adopted significant changes to landlord/tenant law. Here is a summary. Check back for updates and details. 

 

Standards for rent repayment plans  

During the eviction moratorium (set to expire June 30, 2021), landlords must offer tenants, who are behind on rent due to the COVID-19 crisis, a reasonable repayment plan based on individual circumstances. Once the moratorium ends, landlords must offer a reasonable schedule for repayment of monthly payments of no more than one-third of the monthly rent.  

 

Tenants with low income may get a lawyer 

The Legislature is funding legal service providers to help more tenants in eviction cases. Subject to funding, the court must appoint a lawyer to indigent tenants in filed eviction cases. A person is "indigent" if they receive public assistance or their annual income, after taxes, is 200% or below the federal poverty guidelines. This program may take up to a year to be fully implemented. 

 

Eviction Resolution Pilot Program 

 In some counties, landlords are required to provide tenants notice of the availability of an Eviction Resolution Pilot Program. This program is supposed to help renters and landlords agree on how to make up rent instead of going to court and also help tenants find rent assistance.  

 

Landlords Must give a good reason for ending rental agreements & evicting tenants*  

Landlords must give tenants a written notice with one of 17 good reasons for ending rental agreements and evicting tenants. Among other things, landlords can no longer refuse to renew a month-to-month agreement with a 20 Day "no cause" termination notice.  

*Awaiting the governor’s signature 

 

Get Eviction Defense Help 

If your landlord is trying to evict you, try our Eviction Defense Helper, which will ask you questions to guide you to help in your county and court forms.

Otherwise, apply for legal help here: CLEAR*Online or call CLEAR Monday – Friday, 9:15am to 12pm, 1-888-201-1014.