June 15th 2008 11:00 am
New Law Changes Landlord’s Obligations to Store Tenant’s Property
Important Changes in 2008
The Washington Court of Appeals Division III held in a 2007 decision that the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act required the landlord to store the tenant’s belongings when the tenant is evicted. <!–[if !supportFootnotes]–>[1]<!–[endif]–>
A new law has significantly changed the procedures and the landlord’s obligations.
Tenant Must Request StorageUnder the new law the tenant must request storage. The request form is a mandatory form the landlord presents to the sheriff with the writ of restitution. The form is posted by the sheriff along with the writ.
The tenant must complete the form and it must be received by the landlord within three days. If the tenant fails to complete and return the form to the landlord the landlord is not obligated to store the tenant’s belongings.
If the tenant requests storage the landlord may store the belongings in the rental property.
No Comments yet »
