When a tenant and landlord sign a lease agreement, both parties should have certain legal rights and responsibilities under the agreement. Unfortunately, some landlords may wish to evict a tenant because they believe the tenants have gone against provisions of the lease. This may include not paying rent, being overly disruptive to neighbors, destroying the property, using the property for illegal activity, and more. Whether you are a landlord or a tenant in an eviction case, it is imperative that you have an experienced Seattle & Tacoma eviction lawyer who understands Washington eviction laws standing up for your rights.

The Rights of both Parties in an Eviction

A landlord has the right to enforce the terms of a lease agreement—provided they were fair—and to have a tenant who refuses to comply with the agreement removed from the premises. A tenant, however, also has specific legal rights, and a landlord cannot simply force them out by removing their door, changing locks, or other such action. Landlords may not take the law into their own hands; instead, they must follow certain procedures set out by Washington law.

First, a landlord must notify the tenant of the default on rent or other issues so that they have a chance to resolve the problem or leave on their own. If the matter persists, a landlord must file a specific petition with the court setting out the reasons he is seeking an eviction. If a hearing is scheduled, the landlord must present evidence to support his allegations to the court.

If you are a tenant who receives notice that an eviction action has been initiated, you should never simply ignore it. Instead, you should always discuss your rights and any possible arguments you may present to the court on your behalf with an experienced eviction attorney. Landlords do not automatically win eviction cases, so you should always make sure that your rights are protected, as well.

Contact a Seattle and Tacoma eviction attorney for a consultation

If you are a landlord seeking an eviction or a tenant facing possible eviction, your first step should always be to call an experienced eviction attorney to discuss your case.