Auburn repealed its local just cause eviction law. Auburn still requires landlords to have a business license (although the law explicitly making this requirement a defense to eviction was also repealed). Landlords must still comply with state good cause eviction laws.
FAQs
24 posts
Both. Local rent increase laws still apply. Note that if state and local law allow a different rent increase, the landlord can only increase by the lower amount. The City of Tacoma is considering a bill that would roll back some local landlord-tenant laws, including the two rent increase notices currently required in addition to the state rent increase notice. The Tacoma proposal has not been enacted at the time of this FAQ posting.
Possibly. The new rent control law can be read in different ways. One interpretation is that any pending rent increase is void, and a new rent increase notice must be served that complies with the 90-day notice requirement, uses of mandatory form language, and is served per the new statute on serving tenant notices. All this is far too nuanced for a quick explanation. It is best to consult with an attorney.
A court rule issued by the Washington Supreme Court continues the first hearing in eviction cases. The rationale of this Supreme Court rule is to foster the tenant’s right to an attorney at no cost. This is very frustrating for landlords, as they are not being paid rent and the process seems to drag on forever, but this Supreme Court rule is binding on local courts.
Tacoma Measure One (a/k/a the Landlord Fairness Code) is open to different interpretations and not easy to quickly summarize. Tacoma residential landlords should consult with an attorney before taking any action, including serving an initial eviction notice.
Yes. We have successfully handled eviction cases on appeal. There are far more eviction cases being appealed today than in the past. Contact our office about consultation, referral, or association.
Yes, King County has mandatory notice forms for terminating tenancies in unincorporated King County. Proper use of these forms is not simple. Landlords are encouraged to consult with an attorney before serving any notices for unincorporated King County rental properties.
No, not exactly. A statutory repayment plan is required as the first step in a residential nonpayment eviction if any of the past-due rent accrued through April 2023 (regardless of whether the notice was served after April 2023).
Yes. Our office represents both commercial landlords and commercial tenants in all manner of disputes including evictions and civil lawsuits.
Our office represents only landlords in residential cases. Residential tenants are encouraged to Google the Housing Justice Project and/or the Northwest Justice Project. In commercial cases, we represent tenants as well as landlords.