There have been many important changes to Seattle residential landlord-tenant law in recent years. Many Seattle landlord-tenant laws impact the eviction process, including the Seattle property registration requirements, winter eviction ban, school year eviction ban, and myriad other changes.
Seattle has several laws that require specific language on eviction notices, such as a notice to pay rent or vacate, and other tenancy termination notices. The laws are very detailed and specific, to the point of dictating font size and bold type. A failure to strictly comply with the minutiae of these requirements may lead to an eviction being dismissed.
The Seattle Just Cause Eviction Ordinance has requirements that differ from the Washington state good cause eviction laws. Some of the differences are subtle but important. Failure to comply with local Seattle law can lead to a negative result in court.
It is more important than ever to consult with an eviction attorney familiar with local landlord-tenant laws and the Seattle and King County courts. Travis Eller is a National Institute for Trial Advocacy “Advocate” who has been representing both residential and commercial Seattle and King County landlords for more than twenty-five years.
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Here are a few of the nuances in Seattle’s local eviction laws. This is a quick bullet-point list that is neither exhaustive nor detailed, but meant merely to give a flavor of how hypertechnical it can be to try to evict a residential tenant in Seattle.
- RRIO registration. Each residential property must be registered for inspection before serving any predicat notice (pay rent or vacate, etc.). The courts will dismiss the eviction if the property was not registered in advance.
- Right to counsel language. Specific mandatory language must be included in any predicat notice. Seattle law even dictates that some of the mandated language be in bold font. The courts typically dismiss the eviction if the notice is not in compliance, even down to bold font.
- Rent increases. Seattle has specific rent increase laws that differ from state law. Failure to follow the technicalities of Seattle rent increase requirements may call into question the rent amount the court will enforce, or if you can evict your tenant at all.
- Intent to sell. The Washington state intent-to-sell statute is based on the Seattle intent-to-sell provisions, but there are nuanced differences. Contact our office if you intend to sell a Seattle house, condo unit, or townhouse.
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