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Washington Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Landlord - Tenant and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: landlord unlawfully trespassed me police denied my rights under RCW 4.24.355 landlord is selling everything i own

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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:...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: So, a former tenant was using my address to receive mail under different aliases and she had a bunch of stolen mail

If I turn her in, can I get in trouble

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: I need help really bad my roommate died in January and she left behind her disabled brother she was his payee and guardi

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

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: 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 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

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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: 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: 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 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

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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 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

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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?

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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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?

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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 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

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