The governor announced by proclamation on June 2, he was extending the eviction moratorium until August 1 with some amendments as follows:
- In addition to situations where an imminent threat to health and safety exists, landlords can evict for
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- Property damage if it is urgent and unknown to the landlord prior to COVID-19.
- Intent to occupy and/or intent to sell with 60 days’ advance notice. In Seattle, 90 days’ advance notice is required for either of these reasons under the existing Just Cause Eviction ordinance.
- Tenants can rely on a defense to eviction if the landlord fails to offer a reasonable payment plan
- Prohibits retaliation against a tenant for asserting their rights under the governor’s proclamation
- Occupancy situations not typically considered ‘rental’ including but not limited to hotel, motel stays of 14 days or more are included for the purposes of the proclamation
Rent increases and late fees remain prohibited under the moratorium. The governor first proclaimed a moratorium on evictions in mid-March, then extended and expanded the moratorium in mid-April. In this latest extension, Governor Inslee acknowledged the ‘immeasurable contribution’ made by housing providers to the community and strongly encouraged both landlords and tenants to communicate in good faith about rent payments.