Last week, Governor Inslee extended the state's eviction moratorium through October 31. As before, non-rent-related terminations are permissible provided the housing provider complies with the just cause eviction requirements established by state law.
The Bridge moratorium applies to all rental properties in the state, except in Seattle, Kenmore, and Burien, where more restrictive moratoria exist.
Rent Increases: Rent increases are permitted anywhere in the state regardless of local moratoria, with sufficient notice provided by state or local law.
Late Fees: Late fees are prohibited through December 31, 2021.
Payment Plan: Each tenant who has not paid their rent in full must receive an offer of a reasonable payment plan that does not exceed three months for every month the tenant is behind. The tenant must be offered a payment plan before any collection efforts for any past due rent owing.
Rent owing before July 31, 2021: The tenant must be offered a payment plan, described above, and the following programs must be "operational" in the county where the property is located before issuing a 14-day notice (1) a rental assistance program and (2) an eviction resolution pilot program.
Rent owing after July 31, 2021: Where the tenant owes rent and has not made a partial payment or applied for rental assistance and the application has not been approved or denied, a housing provider is prohibited from serving a 14-day notice. Otherwise, the landlord should -
- Offer a payment plan for August, September, and/or October rent, described above,
- Serve an Eviction Resolution Pilot Program Notice, and
- Serve a 14-day notice.
A court proceeding cannot proceed where the right to counsel has not been established. Most counties should have certified right to counsel programs beginning tomorrow, with Spokane certified in about two weeks.
Update courtesy of the Washington Multifamily Housing Association.
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