Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington

Eviction

In Wa state can a landlord start court procedeings 1 day after a 3 day notice to vacate has been given? and if the rent is paid before the court date can you be held liable for attorneys cost to start the proceeding?


Asked on 5/16/07, 3:32 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Elizabeth Powell ELizabeth Powell PS Inc

Re: Eviction

A landlord cannot prevail in an unlawful detainer filed before the three day notice period expires. The tenant has three - judicial - days to respond. In other words, the tenant cannot be required to pay rent on a weekend.

If the rent is paid before the hearing there is no judgment (at that time). If the landlord goes to court and gets a judgment the judgment will include reasonable attorney fees.

Hope this clears it up for you - I am trying to answer your questions.

In Seattle, look at the Northwest Justice Website or the king county Bar website at kcba dot org for references to Housing Justice. This group of volunteer attorneys can analyse what you have been served with and give you real advice.

And it is free. There are additional rules in Seattle, as well.

Elizabeth Powell

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Answered on 5/16/07, 3:53 pm


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