You can file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC). You can call them at 1-800-233-3247. Learn more and get a complaint form at .hum.wa/file-complaint.
3. Washington state eviction laws are changing. Statewide, in 2024 landlords and tenants will be able to request that their eviction hearing is held remotely. The courts will need to grant a request unless there is a reason for needing them to attend in person.
(f) A tenant may end a tenancy for a specified time by providing notice in writing not less than 20 days prior to the ending date of the specified time.
Tenants have several valid reasons to file complaints against their landlords when their rights and well-being are at risk. These instances include rent-related issues, maintenance and repair problems, lease agreement violations, discrimination, harassment, and security deposit disputes.
Retaliatory evictions are also illegal. A landlord may not terminate a tenancy or increase rent or change other terms of the rental agreement to retaliate against a tenant who asserts his or her rights under the Landlord-Tenant Act or reports violations of housing codes or ordinances. Attorney General at 800-551-4636.
You can file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC). You can call them at 1-800-233-3247. Learn more and get a complaint form at .hum.wa/file-complaint.
New laws affecting renters in Washington State in 2023 Within 30 days after a tenant moves out, the landlord must either return the full security deposit or give the tenant a written statement documenting why they kept some or all of it.
Verbal threats, threats of physical violence, or actual physical contact are all examples of landlord harassment. Also, keep in mind that verbal threats can occur via face-to-face interaction, over the phone, or in writing.
In Washington, landlords cannot discriminate against tenants, engage in illegal eviction practices, enter a tenant's home without proper notice, shut off utilities as a form of retaliation, or fail to maintain property to code. They must also treat tenants with good faith and fair dealing in all rental transactions.
For example, California presumes that adverse action by a landlord is retaliatory if it occurs within 180 days after the tenant complains to a government authority, requests an inspection, or sues the landlord.