Q: i was threatened with legal action and loosing my housing voucher if i didnt sign a increase to my month old lease.

A: Facing pressure to sign a revised lease and then dealing with eviction under these circumstances is distressing, especially when it impacts your housing voucher and overall housing security. Under the Section 8 program, any increase in rent must typically be approved by the Public Housing Authority (PHA) and should not occur within the initial term of your lease unless specifically allowed under your program's regulations and your lease agreement.

If you were threatened with eviction or legal action to coerce you into signing a lease amendment that unfairly increased your rent, this may constitute a violation of your rights under both the Section 8 program and landlord-tenant laws in Washington State. The PHA's role is to ensure that rent adjustments comply with program guidelines and that tenants' rights are protected, not to threaten voucher loss without cause.

Given the complexity of your situation and the potential for violations of your rights, it's essential to seek legal assistance immediately. An attorney with experience in landlord-tenant law, especially one familiar with Section 8 housing, can review your lease, the circumstances under which it was amended, and the actions taken by your landlord and the PHA. They can provide advice on how to challenge the eviction and address the rent increase issue, potentially including negotiation with the landlord, appeals to the PHA, or legal action to protect your rights and housing.

Time is of the essence in housing matters, especially when facing eviction, so reaching out for legal help as soon as possible is crucial to ensuring the best possible outcome.