With Washington State’s ‘stay home, stay safe’ order in place through May 2020, the future for landlords and their tenants is somewhat uncertain.

The Federal CARES Act, passed by Congress in late March, included a 120-day suspension on residential evictions. The CARES Act also allowed landlords with federal mortgages to request forbearance of their payments.

In Washington State, Governor Inslee extended his moratorium on evictions through June 4, 2020.  Proclamation 20-10 stalls all residential evictions, state-wide, for at least the next seven weeks.

Washington landlords are also banned from charging tenants late fees for rent during this moratorium. Tenants who fall behind on their rent during the pandemic must be offered a reasonable re-payment plan to catch up on unpaid rent.

The Governor’s proclamation also stops both commercial and residential landlords from raising rent on any tenant affected by COVID-19 during this time. Certain evictions may still be allowed if tenants are causing a significant and immediate risk to the health and safety of others.

If you own or manage rental property in Washington State and you have questions about the rapidly changing laws surrounding landlord and tenant rights during the coronavirus pandemic, Limitless Law PLLC has years of experience with real estate law, and we’re here to help. New clients are welcome to call us at 360-685-0145 to schedule your consultation.

Want information on the 2019 updates to Washington’s landlord-tenant laws? Learn more here.

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