Washington - Statewide Moratorium on Evictions

Governor Inslee announced a thirty-day moratorium on evictions statewide. In the next couple of days, we will have more information and resources regarding the moratorium period.

What does this mean for you (landlords):

1. Landlords are prohibited from serving a notice to pay or vacate or a notice to terminate tenancy.
2. Landlords are prohibited from taking any action to serve or file an unlawful detainer during the moratorium period.
3. Law enforcement may not enforce writs for non-payment of rent.
4. Notices that have been served will be on hold until the moratorium has been lifted.
5. No judicial action may be taken seeking a writ of restitution.
6. Scheduled court dates will be rescheduled after the moratorium period.
7. Supreme Court Order requires civil matters shall be continued until after April 24, 2020.
8. Landlords may serve notices and proceed with unlawful detainers for health and safety reasons.

The statewide moratorium is the floor. Meaning that cities are permitted to pass a moratorium that is more restrictive or for a longer duration. Additional cities have drafted their own bans waiting for final approval from their respective councils. However, these bans may be considered moot now with a statewide moratorium. I will keep you posted on any changes locally or statewide.

The Attorney General's office assisted with drafting the thirty-day moratorium order. You can expect that any violation of the statewide moratorium may lead to an investigation by the AG's office.

There was good news from the federal government related to housing today as well. The Federal Housing Finance Agency directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to suspend foreclosures and evictions for at least 60 days due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

For more details visit www.governor.wa.gov