Being a landlord in Seattle comes with numerous responsibilities and challenges. One of these is navigating the complex world of eviction protection. With tenant rights being a significant focus in the city, it's crucial for landlords to understand their obligations and rights when it comes to eviction.
Seattle has implemented the Just Cause Eviction Ordinance. This outlines the specific reasons for which a landlord can evict a tenant. In this blog post, we will delve into three essential things every landlord should know about eviction protection in Seattle.
This includes the ordinance, landlord-tenant laws, and tenant relocation assistance. If you are a landlord in the city, keep reading to learn more! Let's get started.
1. Just Cause Eviction Ordinance
The Just Cause Eviction Ordinance outlines the specific reasons for which a landlord can evict a tenant. Under this ordinance, landlords can evict tenants for one of 18 specified reasons. These include:
- Non-payment of rent
- Lease violations
- Property damage
- Illegal activities
- Other legitimate causes
It's important for landlords to familiarize themselves with the Just Cause Eviction Ordinance. This ensures they follow the correct procedures when initiating an eviction. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal consequences.
2. Landlord-Tenant Laws
Seattle has specific laws governing the relationship between landlords and tenants. It's crucial for landlords to be aware of these laws to ensure they are acting within their rights and responsibilities.
For example, landlords must provide tenants with proper notice before initiating an eviction. The notice period depends on the reason for eviction. For non-payment of rent, landlords must provide a 14-day notice to pay or vacate.
For lease violations or other just causes, a 10-day notice is required. It's essential to follow these notice requirements strictly to avoid potential legal complications.
3. Tenant Relocation Assistance
Seattle also has a Tenant Relocation Assistance Ordinance in place. This is here to protect tenants who are displaced due to certain types of evictions. Under this ordinance, landlords are required to provide relocation assistance to tenants who are evicted due to:
- Demolition
- Substantial renovation
- Change of use
- Removal of a housing unit
The amount of relocation assistance varies depending on different factors. These include the number of bedrooms in the unit and whether the tenant is low-income or elderly/disabled.
As a landlord, it's crucial to understand these requirements and provide the appropriate relocation assistance when necessary. Failure to comply with the ordinance can result in penalties and legal action.
Eviction Protection for Landlords in Seattle
Navigating eviction protection in Seattle can be challenging for landlords. Understanding the above points is a key component of being a responsible landlord in the city.
Seeking legal advice or consulting with a professional property management company can also be beneficial for landlords. It ensures that they stay updated on any changes to the eviction laws and regulations in Seattle.
In the city, your premier choice property management company is Brink Property Management. Schedule a consultation with our team today to learn more. We look forward to speaking with you.
