Governor Inslee Extends Eviction Moratorium Through End of Year

Governor Inslee recently extended the Washington state eviction moratorium through December 31, 2020. The only three exceptions are 1) tenants who pose a serious and imminent threat to health or safety, 2) a 60-day notice if the owner intends to sell, or 3) a 60-day notice if the owner intends to move into the property as their primary residence.

The governor amended the moratorium to clarify that it does not protect unauthorized occupants who hold over after the tenants vacate. Note this does not apply to tenants who holdover. The landlord still may not evict tenants who holdover, absent one of the three exceptions mentioned above. The holdover provisions in the moratorium apply only to unauthorized roommates who remain after the tenant vacates. Also, if the landlord accepted rent or otherwise took actions that are inconsistent with the non-tenant status of unauthorized occupants this could create a tenancy between the landlord and the roommate.

Whether and to what extent the CDC moratorium may apply is being litigated in various courts and remains uncertain. Also, in Seattle and some other locations there are local moratoria that may apply.

Contact an attorney if you have questions about exceptions to the eviction moratorium.

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