Update (as of 1/16/26): After this case note was posted, attorneys representing the tenants filed a motion to reconsider and requested oral argument. The attorney representing the landlord filed a response. The court’s ruling could (obviously) change the holding summarized in this article. Residential unlawful detainer filings (eviction cases) have seen record volume in Washington in recent years. Most residential unlawful detainer actions proceed no further than a statutory show cause hearing. But what is a show cause hearing? Is it a preliminary injunction hearing? A summary judgment hearing? A hybrid? What burden must the plaintiff meet to gain […]
Daily Archives: December 21, 2025
2 posts
A new law enacted by the City of Tacoma exempts public housing and low-income rental housing providers from the winter eviciton ban and school year eviciton ban. The law also exempts owners of four or fewer units from the cold weather eviction ban (but not from the school year eviction ban). The fewer than five units exemption matches Seattle’s winter eviction ban exemption. All owners may petition a court for relief from various provisions upon demonstrating undue hardship. Some of the changes of broader application are summarized below. This short summary is not a substitute for legal advice. If you […]