EVICTIONS
You Are Not Alone: Your Rights & What to Expect
Facing eviction can be overwhelming, but knowing your rights and the process can help you navigate it more effectively. Whether you're in the pre-eviction (or notice phase) and you've received a 14-day or 30-day Pay or Vacate notice, or you're dealing with a Summons and Complaint, (or Unlawful Detainer), it's important to understand the steps, timelines, and possible defenses available to you.
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Learn about your right to counsel, potential eviction defenses, and how to prepare for court to protect your housing. The information on our page will help guide you through the eviction process, explain your options, and help you take action to defend your rights.
Your Rights
As a tenant, you are entitled to certain rights. These include receiving written notice before an eviction, the ability to challenge an eviction in court, and the right to get your security deposit back, minus lawful deductions.
Written Notice
First things first a landlord must have a Just Cause RCW 59.18.650 valid reason to terminate or end a lease, or file for an eviction.
ALL notices MUST be in writing (on paper) and delivered to, or (served) in a specific way- (pursuant) to RCW 59.12.030(3)
Right to Counsel & Evicton Defense
In Washington State you may quailify for right to counsel or an attorney appointed to you to defend against your evicton. RCW 59.18.640
Pre-Screen online for statewide intake By Northwest Justice Project:
Fill out the online form
Or call the Eviction Defense line at:
1-855-657-8387
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Stay in your Home
Tenants cannot be asked or told to leave or their property remove- if, and until a court order or a (writ of resitution) has been posted by a sheriff, if that happens then you have 24-72hrs.
"they can huff and they can puff, but only a sherrif with a writ can blow the house down"
ALWAYS check the court registry and verify the case number is active, and the tenant(s) name(s) are listed.
JUST CAUSE
What are the just causes?
Currently there are 17 "just cause" reasons allowed by the state of Washington.
However, there are a hand full of cities and some counties accross the state that have enacted additional tenant protections. ALWAYS check local (city and county)
codes, rules, and regulations
Non-Payment of Rent
Landlord wants to sell or
Landlord or their family needs to move in
Lease Violation
Crime, Nuisance, or Waste
Renovations & Demolishment
​Condemned
IMPORTANT NOTE- Section 8 (HCV) holders, Tax-Credit, Low-income, and other subsidized properties and tenants
If your landlord operates a "covered dwelling," they are required to provide you with a 30-day notice to either pay your rent or move out. Generally, any property that receives federal funding qualifies as a "covered dwelling." This includes residences where you use a Section 8 housing voucher or live in a "tax credit" property. Additionally, if your home has a mortgage backed by the federal government, it is also considered a covered dwelling. You can check this information online to confirm.
LESS COMMON JUST CAUSE REASONS:
60-Day Notice
Read the Legislation- Verbatim-
Acronym Soup (Decoded):
RCW - Revised Code of Washington
UDA - Unlawful Detainer Action
RLTA - Residential Landlord Tenant Act (59.18)
OLD - Order of Limited dissemination
HVC - Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
RCW 59.12.040– Written Notice and Proper Service
Notices under this chapter (unlawful detainer) can be served by personal delivery, by leaving a copy with someone reasonably sutiable at the premises.
-OR-
By posting around the entry of the tenant's residence AND mailed to the tenants address.
RCW 59.18.650- Just Cause
In Washington State, "just cause" legislation requires landlords to have a legally valid reason, such as non-payment of rent or lease violations, to more for an eviction of a tenants. These protections prevent arbitrary or unfair evictions, ensuring tenants can provide defense's to evictions, stay housed, and prolong stability.
Tenant Testimonials
Coming soon
Violet has conducted over 300 surverys, 17 workshops, and has worked with many tenants on a one-to-one basis. The data is being analyzed, and we will have numbers, reports, and testimonials soon!
Stay Tuned!