The Seattle City Council rejected a proposal to yet again extend the local eviction moratorium. The Seattle eviction moratorium will therefore end February 28.
After the moratorium ends Seattle landlords may serve eviction notices based on intent to sell, intent to occupy as a primary residence, nonpayment of rent, and any other legal grounds. Seattle residential landlords should be aware that notices in Seattle must have specific legally-mandated language to be enforceable in court.
There are still many hurdles for landlords seeking possession of their property. Tenants have new defenses, including that rent was not paid for COVID-related reasons. Seattle has a winter eviction ban and a school year eviction ban. Both state and local laws require repayment plans.
The Seattle eviction moratorium has been one of the longest-running and most restrictive eviction moratoriums in the country--allowing eviction only for health and safety reasons. With the eviction moratorium coming to an end, Seattle landlords may again seek possession of their property.
