In the state of Washington, landlords must have valid reasons for evicting tenants. These reasons are referred to as “just cause” or “for cause” evictions, and they are listed in the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. It is important that landlords understand what these evictions look like.

What Is a Just Cause Eviction?

A just cause eviction is an eviction that falls under the legal definition of a valid reason for removing a tenant from their rental unit. In the state of Washington there a 17 “just causes” for eviction:

1. Nonpayment of rent,
2. Consistently paying rent late,
3. Failure to comply with rules of the rental agreement,
4. Committing waste or nuisance upon the premises or engaging in unlawful activity,
5. Landlord intends to occupy or to have an immediate family member occupy the unit,
6. An owner intends to sell a single-family dwelling rental,
7. Substantial rehabilitation, demolition or change of use.
8. Condo conversion
9. Condemned premises
10. Termination of rental arrangement when the landlord shares a common kitchen or bathroom with the tenant,
11. Failure to sign a new rental agreement after the expiration of a previous rental agreement,
12. Expiration of a transitional housing program,
13. Intentional, knowing and material misrepresentation that would have caused the landlord to take adverse action,
14. Other good cause constituting a business or economic reason.
15. Committing four or more material rental agreement violations in 12 months,
16. Where tenant fails to disclose a requirement to register as a sex offender.
17. Where tenant makes unwanted sexual advances or other acts of sexual harassment.

In Seattle, the “just causes” also include:

a. The tenant’s occupancy is conditioned upon employment on the property and the employment relationship is terminated;

b. The owner seeks to reduce the number of tenants to comply with maximum occupancy laws,

c. The owner of an accessory dwelling unit is in violation of development standards.

d. An emergency order requiring that the housing unit be vacated has been issued,

In all of these cases the law requires that landlords provide written notice to tenants before initiating any eviction proceedings.

What Are the Benefits of Just Cause Evictions?

The just cause evictions were designed to protect tenant rights by ensuring that tenants can only be removed when landlords have legitimate reasons to do so. However, from a business perspective they are useful to encourage landlords to properly document any issues with their tenants rather than relying on verbal warnings or agreements which may not be legally binding.

How Can I Ensure I’m Following Just Cause Procedures?

The best way to ensure you are following just cause procedures is by familiarizing yourself with the policies outlined in your state’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. Additionally, you should always provide your tenants with written notice of any potential issues and document all conversations related to those issues and any other tenant-related matters. Finally, if you believe you have grounds for an eviction based on one of the allowable just causes, seek legal counsel before beginning any proceedings!

In summary, understanding what constitutes a just cause or for-cause eviction in Washington State is vital for both landlords and tenants alike. By familiarizing yourself with the laws surrounding these types of evictions, you can ensure that both parties’ rights are respected and properly adhered to throughout all stages of the process. With this knowledge in hand, you can ensure that all parties involved remain safe and protected regardless of how the situation unfolds!