At both the state and local level new laws mandate changes in the language of important landlord-tenant documents, including the 14-day notice to pay rent or vacate as well as legal pleadings used in court. Failure to include legally required language in eviction documents is a defense to eviction and could lead to dismissal of an eviction action. Truly v. Heuft, 138 Wn.App. 913, 158 P.3d 1276 (Div. 1 2007). New laws in 2019 and in 2020 change the requirements for the notice to pay rent or vacate state-wide. New laws in Federal Way and Seattle necessitate contents in notices […]
Monthly Archives: May 2020
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Seattle has passed new tenant protection laws in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Inability to pay defense. For a six-month period after the mayor’s residential eviction moratorium ends, tenants may raise an inability to pay as a defense. This law does not prevent landlords from starting an eviction action, and the tenant must come to court and raise the defense. This ordinance requires language in the 14-day notice. It is a defense to eviction if this language is not included. Payment plans. For the duration of the state of emergency declared by the mayor, Seattle residential tenants may pay overdue rent […]