Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington

eviction

im being evicted because girls i live with didnt pay their share of rent only my part was payed. landlord did accept my half.what procuders can he take if im not out by july 1 what can he do?how long do i have befor the sheriff throws me out?


Asked on 6/25/09, 5:35 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Amir John Showrai The Pacific Law Firm, PLLC

Re: eviction

After July 1, assuming that is the due date for rent, he can give you a 3 day notice to pay rent or quit, after which he can file papers in court to start the eviction process. A hearing can be set within 7 days of serving you with the eviction summons and complaint, after which you need to provide a written response by filing a copy with the court clerk, and provide a courtesy copy to the judge, as well as serve a copy upon the landlord by the close of business on the day preceding the hearing.

From what you've written, I see no valid defense to your case, unless you have a separate lease agreement from your roommates. Otherwise, you are all responsible for rent, and it is up to you guys who pays what portion.

If the landlord gets an eviction order, he will also obtain a writ from the court clerk which the sheriff will serve upon you. Depending on where you live, this is usually served within a week or so, depending on the Sheriff's availability. When the sheriff comes, you will have to leave and your possessions can be taken with you or stored by your landlord, at your option, however, if your landlord stores your stuff, you'll have to pay whatever rent and judgment is awarded to get your stuff back, even if this is your roommates' share.

Keep this in mind. Do everything you can to avoid being named in an eviction lawsuit. I say this because if you expect to rent for the next ten years, or any part of the next ten years, landlords are going to look for this on your applications and credit reports, and no landlord in their right mind will rent to you if you have an eviction on your record.

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Answered on 6/25/09, 8:50 am


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