New Eviction Laws for King County, Washington in Response to COVID

Eviction laws in King County, Washington have recently undergone significant changes to protect tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic. These new laws are designed to prevent landlords from evicting tenants for non-payment of rent and to provide financial assistance to those who are struggling to pay their rent due to the economic impact of the pandemic.

One of the most significant changes to eviction laws in King County is the temporary ban on evictions for non-payment of rent. This ban, which went into effect on March 18th, 2020, prevents landlords from evicting tenants who are unable to pay their rent due to the economic impact of the pandemic. This ban applies to both commercial and residential tenants and will remain in effect until the governor's emergency proclamation ends or until December 31, 2021.

In addition to the eviction ban, King County has also established a COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program to provide financial assistance to tenants who are struggling to pay their rent. The program is designed to provide financial assistance to tenants who have experienced a loss of income due to the pandemic and is available to both commercial and residential tenants. To qualify for the program, tenants must meet certain income and eligibility requirements.

Another change in the eviction laws is the restriction on the landlord's ability to give notices to vacate. Landlords may only give notice to vacate a tenant for certain reasons, such as for non-payment of rent, for violation of the lease agreement or for causing damage to the property. Any other reasons for eviction are not allowed during the pandemic.

Additionally, the new law requires landlords to provide tenants with a written notice of their rights and resources under the eviction moratorium. This notice must be provided in English and any other language that is spoken by more than 5% of the tenants in the building, and must be provided in writing.

King County has also established a mediation program to help landlords and tenants resolve disputes related to eviction. The program is designed to provide a neutral third party to help facilitate communication and negotiate a resolution to disputes.

Tenants who are facing eviction are also protected by the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act which remains in effect. It allows tenants to contest evictions, and if found valid reason to contest, the eviction could be stopped.

It is important for both tenants and landlords to be aware of these new eviction laws in King County and to understand their rights and responsibilities under the current circumstances. Tenants who are struggling to pay their rent should reach out to the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program for help, and landlords should consult with an attorney before taking any action related to eviction.

In summary, the new eviction laws in King County, Washington are in place to protect tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic and prevent landlords from evicting tenants for non-payment of rent. The laws also provide financial assistance to those who are struggling to pay their rent and establish a mediation program to help landlords and tenants resolve disputes related to eviction. It is important for both tenants and landlords to understand these laws and how they may affect them.