Eviction moratoria for Seattle and Washington state have been extended through March 31, 2021. The following is a summary of the details. Here are the actual orders for Seattle and the State.
- Tenants in Seattle may only be evicted if they present an imminent threat to health and safety.
- The State eviction moratorium also allows for the following exceptions:
- Imminent threat to the property of others
- Owner intends to sell or occupy the property as a primary residence
- Types of tenancies protected by the moratoria are expanded to include leased lots for motor homes, camping sites, transitional housing, and motels, hotels, or Airbnbs where someone has resided for 14 days or more. Tenancies that expire during the moratoria are also covered.
- Landlords must not threaten eviction or harass a tenant for non-payment. Landlords may communicate with tenants about payment plans, financial resources, and the balances on their rental accounts.
- Late fees for rent and other charges are prohibited effective February 29, 2020.
- Landlords must offer a payment plan for debt accrued after February 29, 2020. Failure to do so is a defense to an eviction. The State moratorium requires the payment plan to be reasonable based on the tenant’s individual circumstances.
- Tenants in Seattle may only be evicted if they present an imminent threat to health and safety. In the rest of the state, there are additional exemptions
- Rent increases are prohibited.
- Security deposits cannot be used for unpaid rent or rent-related charges accrued after February 29,2020.
- Landlords cannot charge a tenant who failed to occupy a rental unit due to COVID-19.
For more information and COVID-19 rental housing-related resources, please see: