Get free answers to your Landlord - Tenant legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I have been living on a property for about 20 years with the owner's knowledge and have never signed any paperwork or paid rent. Recently, the owner called the police on me for trespassing, cut off utilities, and now wants to pursue criminal trespassing charges against me. Additionally, I used... View More 
answered on Mar 9, 2025
This issue is rooted in Landlord/tenant law so you need to consult with an attorney that handle that type of cases because you may have an argument there. Obviously you don't have a deed or ownership because of purchase, but through being there with the knowledge of the owner you may have... View More
I have a tenant who has been living in my home for four months without a written lease agreement. The arrangement was verbal, including a 30-day notice from either party to end occupancy. He has been refusing to pay rent and has been verbally abusive on multiple occasions. I have documented all... View More
I have a written lease for an apartment with two roommates, but they relapsed, leaving me unable to pay the rent alone. I spoke with the agent, explaining I was trying to find a new place, but I've been unable to do so yet. As of February 1, 2025, my rent has been unpaid. When I returned, I... View More
I live in a Seattle Housing Authority subsidized housing unit and have encountered a concerning situation. In June 2022, our new property manager informed us that a HUD grant was received, providing each tenant in our building with $1,400 for rent relief. However, only three tenants received this... View More
I live in an apartment in Washington state. The management of my apartment is trying to charge me attorney fees incurred during an eviction process that they initiated. However, I had already paid what I owed before I received any eviction notice, and the eviction process never went to court. My... View More
My family (my boyfriend, our 2-year-old son, and I) was wrongfully evicted last week without written notice or valid reasons, after living in our home for over a year. We didn't have a lease agreement and didn't pay rent, but contributed by doing chores and repairs. Our belongings were... View More
I recently received a bill for unpaid rent, claiming that my ex didn't pay rent for four months after I left. I was also on the lease, which was satisfied in September 2018 and had turned into a month-to-month agreement after that. I did not receive any notice of her moving out, and I've... View More
I moved out of my rental unit before the lease term was fulfilled. The lease agreement states that any concessions or discounts need to be repaid if the lease is terminated early and would be added to a buy-out fee. I am concerned because the landlord now has new tenants in the unit. Can the... View More
I am currently having my wages garnished by a prior landlord for a past balance. They attempted to deliver the notice of garnishment to the rented address after I had moved out, so I wasn't aware of the proceedings or given an opportunity to contest it. The garnishment started on 02/13, and I... View More
I am homeless and was living in my car in Washington. The vehicle was towed about a month ago and is scheduled for auction on February 19th. I have not been able to retrieve my belongings from the car because the tow company requires registration proof, which I cannot afford due to my situation.... View More
I got a paper on my door for an annual inspection of unit (never had this at any other apartment) and they came in to take pictures of my unit (I’m still living there) my dog can caught them taking pics inside my closet and I’m not sure what they did upstairs
answered on Jan 29, 2025
Good morning - in Washington State, a landlord usually must give a minimum of 48 hours advance notice before entering a tenant's rented or leased housing unit. There are only a few exceptions - in some instances, 24 hours; in an emergency, no advance notice.
You can find more... View More
Apartment complex sent out renewal offers to multiple tenants some being told their rates would not increase etc. But when they arrived to the office they were told the offers weren't legally binding and they resended/withdrew them to then advises the rates had in fact increased (some... View More
answered on Jan 1, 2025
Good morning, and Happy New Year. You didn't provide enough information for a complete evaluation, but it sounds as though the landlord is engaging in fishy and possibly illegal behavior.
In Washington, tenants have a great deal of protection in regards to advance written notice of... View More
There is a provision in my lease that designates what our assigned parking spots are
answered on Dec 23, 2024
Under Washington State’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (chapter 59.18 RCW), the rules about parking changes depend on the terms of your lease agreement and the extent to which the change affects your rights as a tenant.
Key Considerations
Lease Agreement Controls:
If... View More
On June 1st, the Puyallup police, acting upon landlords request, unlawfully trespassed me from my property without due process. Additionally, I was denied my rights under RCW 4.24.355 by the police officer to gather the legal documents necessary to prove my tenancy/occupancy, resulting in the... View More
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answered on Jun 26, 2024
I understand this is a serious and distressing situation for you. Based on the information you've provided, it appears there may have been several potential legal violations. Here's an overview of the key issues and some suggestions on potential next steps:
1. Unlawful eviction:... View More
No one will help me. I’m stuck with this person who have to care for 24 seven I had to quit my job. I’m on the verge of losing my house and nobody will help me. He owes me rent for the last six months plus money I’m out for babysitters I need help cause I’m losing it. I put up with his... View More
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answered on May 24, 2024
I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. It's clear that you're under immense stress and urgently need support. Since your roommate, who was the payee and guardian for her disabled brother, has passed away, it's important to contact social services or adult protective services... View More
If I turn her in, can I get in trouble
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answered on May 27, 2024
If you turn in your former tenant for using your address to receive stolen mail, you likely won't get in trouble, especially if you had no involvement in the illegal activities. Reporting her actions can actually help you distance yourself from any potential legal issues and show that you are... View More
Today my Landlord let two people and herself into the condo we rent from her property management company. I immediately contacted her and stated I didn't agree to this and that I never recieved notice. She claims that her "software" sent our notice and that she will send proof once... View More
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answered on Apr 16, 2024
In Washington state, landlords are required to provide at least 24 hours' written notice before entering a tenant's unit, except in cases of emergency or if it is impracticable to do so. The notice must specify the date, approximate time, and purpose of the entry. If the landlord fails to... View More
I was in my room sleeping and the police woke me up. I looked at camera and asked myself why are they here. Ran downstairs and open the door and went and talk to them. At 1st they told me I couldn't go back in. Then they let me. I tried to talk the dude into surrendering when I noticed he had... View More
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answered on Apr 16, 2024
Based on the information you've provided, it seems that you are not directly responsible for the actions of your daughter's friend or the resulting damage to the rental property caused by the police intervention. However, the property owner may still choose to evict you, as the incident... View More
Tenant can't afford a new lease and wants to move out, while the landlord wants to force tenant to sign another new lease adding incredible sum $$$, threatening the tenant of taking away the concession that was given to him at the beginning of his expired lease.
The tenant is elderly... View More
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answered on Apr 16, 2024
In this situation, it's important for you to know that even if your lease has expired, you still have rights as a tenant. Washington State law requires landlords to provide a written notice if they want you to move out, usually 20 days before the end of the rental period. If you've... View More
So she sign my basic lease for x amount of $ per month. She can not afford it without housing. I haven't signed the HAP contract with housing yet. Can I simple have her sign an agreement to vacate due to her not being able to afford the house with me not signing the HAP contract. Am I... View More
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answered on Apr 16, 2024
In your situation, it's crucial to handle the matter with a focus on legality and fairness. Since you haven’t signed the Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract yet, you are not currently bound by its terms, which generally include non-discrimination clauses. You have the right to assess... View More
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