Seattle Eviction Attorney

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.