In Washington State: A Step Towards Rental Normalcy

Under the “Bridge Moratorium,” August 2021 provides a change of responsibilities for both the housing provider and tenant. 

 

First, the tenant is expected to pay rent in full beginning August 1, 2021. However, restrictions remain on rent owing from March 2020 through July 31, 2021.

 

Beginning August 1, 2021, a tenant may be served a 14-day notice when certain conditions are met. A tenant cannot be served a 14-day notice when the tenant:

1. Has paid rent in full by the date due in the lease;
2. Has made any partial payment in rent negotiated between the housing provider and tenant;
3. Has a pending application for rental assistance that has not been processed, or;
4. Resides in a county where a rental assistance program is anticipating receipt of additional rental assistance resources but have not yet started their program, or the rental assistance program is not yet accepting new applications for assistance.

You can find a list of operational rental assistance programs under the link below.

Operational Rental Assistance Programs

When all else fails, prior to scheduling a court hearing, the housing provider must have attempted to engage in dispute resolution and received a certificate of participation, which must be filed with the court. You can find a list of operational eviction resolution pilot programs under the link below.

Operational Eviction Resolution Pilot Programs

The “Bridge Moratorium” does not apply to the enforcement of the lease for other violations or other bases for termination. Learn more about new State requirements to terminate a tenancy at www.wmfha.org.

 

Note, however, the service of any notice is prohibited in the city of Seattle, the city of Kenmore, and the city of Burien, except where the tenant’s behavior constitutes an imminent risk to the health and safety of others