There are various eviction moratoria that may apply to a rental property in Washington state, including Governor Inslee’s eviction moratorium, the CDC moratorium, and the local Seattle moratorium. All three are set to expire June 30.
A new law that makes sweeping changes to Washington landlord-tenant and evictions laws recently passed the legislature. If signed by the governor, the law would confirm that the Inslee moratorium ends June 30.
While most local courts have held that the CDC moratorium does not apply in Washington, this issue is currently being heard by the Washington Supreme Court. The CDC moratorium is set to expire June 30.
The Inslee and CDC moratoria apply to residential properties. In Seattle there are eviction moratoria applicable to both residential and commercial properties. These are also set to expire June 30.
After the moratoria expire there are many new requirements under both state and local laws. Landlords will be required to offer payment plans. Landlords will be required to participate in an alternative dispute resolution program called the Eviction Resolution Program. The landlord will be required to serve a new notice form with information about the Eviction Resolution Program when serving any notice to pay rent or vacate. Failure to abide by these and other new requirements is a defense in an eviction.
It is always best to consult with an attorney. Now more than ever, with the rapid and sweeping changes to landlord-tenant and eviction laws it is important to seek the advice of an attorney before taking any actions.
