Recent changes in landlord-tenant law on the federal, state, and local levels have made the residential eviction process much more complex, nuanced, and hyper-technical.

Initial eviction notices. Landlords must comply with all applicable laws, beginning with the initial eviction notice (notice to pay rent or vacate, etc.). Failure to adhere to all legal requirements may be fatal to an eviction case. Even the failure to use bold font for a few words where required by statute may lead a court to dismiss an eviction. We recommend landlords retain an attorney at the very beginning of the process including drafting and serving the eviction notice.

No-cost tenant attorneys.  Washington residential tenants have a legal right to an attorney at no cost. The tenant attorneys are knowledgeable in landlord-tenant law and often very effective in defending eviction cases, especially against unrepresented landlords or attorneys less experienced in landlord-tenant law. It is more important than ever to have an experienced landlord-tenant attorney in your corner from square one.

There are more eviction cases in the Court of Appeals than ever before.

We have successfully handled eviction cases on appeal and welcome inquiries about consultation, referral, or association with trial-court counsel.