Proclamation temporarily suspending residential eviction proceeding due to non-payment.

Proclamation 20-19 – Evictions


Proclamation 20-19 prohibits landlords from taking the following actions until April 17, 2020:

  1. Serving a notice of unlawful detainer for default payment of rent related to such property under RCW 59.12.030(3).
  2. Issuing a 20-day notice for unlawful detainer related to such property under RCW 59.12.030(2), unless the landlord attaches an affidavit attesting that the action is believed necessary to ensure the health and safety of the tenant or other individuals.
  3. Initiating judicial action seeking a writ of restitution involving a dwelling unit if the alleged basis for the writ is the failure of the tenant or tenants to timely pay rent. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, an action under Chapters 59.12 or RCW 59.18 RCW; and
  4. Local law enforcement is prohibited from serving or otherwise acting on eviction orders that are issued solely for default payment of rent related to such property. Nothing in this Proclamation is intended to prohibit local law enforcement from acting on orders of eviction issued for other reasons, including but not limited to waste, nuisance or commission of a crime on the premises.
    There has been some misinformation spread online that suggests that this proclamation gives tenants free rent for a period of time. That is not the case, it merely prevents landlords from initiating eviction proceedings from March 18, 2020 to April 17, 2020. Tenants will still owe past rent and will be subject to eviction proceeding after the expiration of the proclamation.
    For complete proclamation language visit the link:
    https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/20-19%20-%20COVID-19%20Moratorium%20on%20Evictions%20%28tmp%29.pdf

If you have any questions or concerns about how these measures could affect you, please schedule a consultation with an attorney at Gravis Law, PLLC.