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Washington Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
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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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 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

James L. Arrasmith
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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 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

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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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?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 4, 2024

As my colleague states, it could be difficult to obtain insurance information short of filing suit. As for your other question about guidelines for your injury equating to a certain amount, it isn't possible to do that based on the limited details. Attorneys will assess your injuries (which... 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

James L. Arrasmith
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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 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

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

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

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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

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Libel & Slander and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: My landlord and her 65-year-old daughter lied and obtained an anti-Harassment order which rendered me homeless,any help

On this for relief against these two Unimaginably deceitful individuals I'm sure would satisfy any good soul in a victory over bad people that treated me so bad you could probably get a judgement on their house in Edmonds,Wa.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 7, 2023

If you believe an anti-harassment order was wrongfully obtained against you, you may consider appealing the order in court. You'll need to provide evidence that the claims made by your landlord and her daughter were false. It's crucial to act promptly since there are often strict... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: Before my landlord passed away he told me if when he died I'd have a 2 year lease. His son now owns the property.

Is it a binding agreement?

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answered on Oct 23, 2023

The enforceability of the verbal agreement you had with your landlord regarding a 2-year lease after his passing can be complex and depends on various factors, including state laws, evidence, and the willingness of the new property owner to honor the commitment. While verbal agreements can be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation, Criminal Law and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: The Legal Lessor locked me out of my business he violently forced me out of the store, and I filed a case in police depa

The Legal Lessor locked me out of my business he violently forced me out of the store, and I filed a case in police department.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Sep 28, 2023

Generally speaking, a commercial landlord can only exercise its right to lockout a commercial tenant if the tenant has failed to timely pay rent, and must provide a key for access to the premises promptly when the tenant cures any default in the payment of rent.

If the landlord wrongfully...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: I have a protection order against my husband for 5 years. And his stuff is at my place and hasn’t gotten anything

How long before I can throw it away

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answered on Sep 26, 2023

In Washington, how long you must hold onto someone's belongings after they've left your residence may vary depending on the situation. Typically, you would need to follow state regulations or local ordinances regarding abandoned property. Generally speaking, giving formal notice and a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: Can a landlord use overpayments in rent to pay for fixes and charges after move out and termination of lease?

They used over 2 thousand in accidental overpayments in rent to cover charges to fix up the property. Are they obligated to return that money and send a bill for the charges? This is in Olympia WA

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answered on Sep 22, 2023

In Olympia, Washington, the terms of your lease agreement generally dictate what a landlord can and cannot do with overpayments or deposits. Typically, a landlord is required to provide an itemized list of damages and the associated costs within a specific timeframe after you move out. However, if... View More

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