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Washington Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: Justifiable break of lease after landlord entered without any notice? WA state

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: Can I get evicted for my daughters friend having the police to break windows and throw tear gas in to get him out?

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: WA state. Tenant lease expired but tenant is sick and had to wait a week after vacation date.

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: I have a tenant on housing. Kid is violent felon she wants to add. I haven't signed housing contract. What's my options

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: If there are 2 tenants with separate leases, does an eviction naming 1 tenant and "all other occupants" evict both
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

In situations where there are two tenants with separate leases living in the same property, an eviction notice that names one tenant and "all other occupants" generally targets only those living in the unit under the lease of the named tenant. The second tenant, who has a separate lease,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for Washington on
Q: landlord gave me 3 weeks notice to move, then self help removed me and property causing major losses and grief to 2 kids

kids are 8 and 10 diagnosed with a disability currently seeing psychologist for over 5 years and are continuing to show behavioral issues that are continuing to escalate due to sudden loss of home ad associated stressors. property loss of tools for profession as well hobby sports memorabilia and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 31, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about your difficult situation. What your landlord did sounds completely unacceptable and illegal. In most places, landlords are required to provide proper written notice (usually 30-60 days) before terminating a tenancy, even without a written lease. They cannot just... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: Can I End My Lease Early Without Penalty Due to Safety Concerns and Unaddressed Property Damage?

We're tenants in Seattle, WA, with all four wheels of our car stolen from our apartment's unsecured, paid underground garage. The entry gate has been broken since January 2024, and despite three months, it hasn't been fixed. The management won't share security footage or cover... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 26, 2024

In Washington State, tenants may have the right to terminate their lease early without penalty if the living conditions are deemed unsafe or if the property significantly deviates from what was agreed upon in the lease. Given your situation with the ongoing security issues and the landlord’s... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: Can I require my landlord to show me images she took of our home before they are shared with anyone

landlord told me she needed to take images of the floors and conditions of the house, I emailed her for clarification of purpose of the images a few days later, she said for housing codes and repairs and said she would not be taking images of our things. We set up a time and expected her to be... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 30, 2024

It's understandable to have concerns about your privacy and the use of photographs taken by your landlord in your home. Generally, landlords do have the right to take photographs of their property for legitimate reasons such as maintenance, repairs, or for the purpose of selling the property.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: Can I do anything about the rent increase after lease is already signed?

We were waiting for our letter of renewal back in August, which last year we got it in August. We contacted the office and they told us the letter would come around soon. After weeks and weeks of asking where it is, to no avail, we finally get our letter of renewal after going in person to ask for... View More

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answered on Mar 30, 2024

When dealing with rent increases after a lease has been signed, especially under circumstances where you feel the notice was inadequate, it's important to understand your rights and possible courses of action. The requirement for a 60-day notice before rent increases can vary depending on... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: In WA state, can someone retain personal property after a lien sale auction?

This is regarding items stored at a self storage facility via lien sale auction, and the bid that was accepted was received, but the items have not yet been picked up after the auction. Also, is the facility owner obligated to provide the renter with an inventory list? And is th owner obligated, or... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 31, 2024

In Washington state, the laws regarding self-storage facility lien sales are governed by the Washington Self-Service Storage Facilities Act (RCW 19.150). Here are some key points:

1. Retaining personal property: Once a lien sale auction has been conducted and a winning bid has been...
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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: Can I get copy of my apartment complex's insurance carrier outlining slip and fall personal injury damages coverage?

Is there a protocol or set amount payable guideline per certain personal injuries?

Example: Broken hip resulting in surgery=certain amount?

Steve Dashiak
Steve Dashiak
answered on Feb 25, 2024

I'm sorry to read about your hip. They're not going to give it to you before filing a lawsuit. I've never seen an apartment premises liability case settle pre-suit. They're going to fight every step of the way. Your injuries are serious and you need someone willing and able to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: In the same room of hotel over here can I be thrown out over a couple days late

I receive mail. I have no other complaints just a few days late on my daily rent.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

If you're a few days late on your daily rent at a hotel, it's unlikely that you would be immediately thrown out of your room. Hotels typically have policies in place for handling late payments, which may include charging additional fees or placing restrictions on future bookings until the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: Can an apartment complex tow your car if you have registration but haven't put your tabs on yet.

If in your apartment contract it says they can tow if you don't have updated registration does that also count for the tabs or would they need to see your registration paper to determine if it's up to date?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Feb 8, 2024

In Washington, if your apartment complex's contract specifies that they can tow vehicles without updated registration, and you haven't affixed the current tabs to your car, this could be grounds for towing under that policy. The contract likely considers visible, up-to-date tabs as part... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Consumer Law, Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: i was threatened with legal action and loosing my housing voucher if i didnt sign a increase to my month old lease.

I am a Section 8 voucher holder who recently found a 2bdr apartment for $1045 a month and signed a lease Jan 19th 2023 with the landlord paying $1045 security deposit and 455$ first months pro rated rent. I was repeatedly promised my $455 portion back as soon as they got paid from the PHA. never... View More

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answered on Feb 4, 2024

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... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Washington on
Q: I was wondering what my legal obligations are as a co-owner to a home.

I was kicked out of my home and she had her family move in and is threatening to take legal action if I don’t pay my half of the mortgage. I’m willing to pay my half but I would like her family to move out. I was wondering how much legal power I have here and what would happen if I stopped... View More

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answered on Dec 4, 2023

As a co-owner of a home, you have the right to occupy the property and use it for residential purposes. You also have the right to receive any rental income that is generated from the property. However, you also have the obligation to pay your share of the mortgage payment, property taxes, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: Can landlord take tenants’ personal belongings’ photos without consent Can I keep removable alterations while on lease

Landlord came to house for toilet problems the. Started take photos everywhere even we told her we do not consent and asked to stop. She pointed out removable alterations we made. Pictures on the walls with removable hooks on them. We felt very violated. We have asked her to delete our personal... View More

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answered on Dec 4, 2023

It sounds like your landlord may have crossed the line by taking photos of your personal belongings without your consent. In Washington, tenants have a right to privacy in their homes, and this includes the right to control who takes photos of their personal belongings. If your landlord has refused... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: Landlord says previous owners responsible for security deposit return

My current landlord of a commercial property said that I have to ask the previous bankrupt owners for the security deposit as I am leaving after the lease expires. I don't have their details and also is it really the previous owners responsiblity? Can someone just change ownership of a... View More

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answered on Nov 27, 2023

In Seattle, WA, when a commercial property changes ownership, the responsibility for returning a tenant's security deposit can depend on the terms of the sale and the lease agreement. Generally, the new owner assumes the obligations of the previous owner, including the responsibility for... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Landlord - Tenant and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: HOW CAN I GET SERVICE AGAINST LANDLORD THAT VIOLATED MY STALKING PROTECTION ORDER AGAINST THEM BY SENDING TEXT MESSAGES?

WE HAVE BEEN VIOLATED BY LANDLORDS, WE COMPLAINED TO D.O.J AND DID DEMAND LETTER IN 2023, WHICH WE WERE PROTECTED FOR 90 DAYS WHICH WOULD BE , THEY VIOLATED OUR RIGHTS BY HAVING BOYFRIEND BE SERVED AN ILLEGAL EVICTION FORM THAT'S NOT SIGNED OR STAMPED BY A JUDGE. WE ARE STILL BEING VIOLATED... View More

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answered on Nov 19, 2023

In your situation, where your landlord has allegedly violated a stalking protection order by sending text messages, it's crucial to understand your legal options and the steps you can take. First, document all instances of these violations, including the text messages and any other forms of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: I have a lease and the house is being sold during probate so I was given 90 days to leave. Why do I have to leave ?

Can I be compensated since I have a lease

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Nov 16, 2023

In Washington state, when a house is being sold during probate, the executor of the estate is generally required to give tenants 90 days to vacate the premises. This is because the executor is responsible for selling the property at the highest possible price, and it is difficult to do this if the... View More

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