State-wide, tenants cannot be evicted for non-payment of rent, but rent does continue accruing. Tenants also cannot be evicted for violations of the lease. Per the state moratorium, landlords can give a 60-day notice to vacate if the owner wants to sell or move into the property. The date of termination must be the last day of the second full rental period (not just 60 calendar days).
The governor’s proclamation includes a requirement that the notice to vacate include an affidavit with a notarized statement by the owner attesting that the reason for the notice is selling. There are also very specific rules about serving the notice – who receives it, how many copies and how it is delivered.
Seattle’s eviction moratorium does not allow landlords to give notice to vacate because the owner wants to sell or move into the rental as their primary residence. The Seattle eviction moratorium bans all evictions; the only exception is if the notice is, “due to actions by the tenant constituting an imminent threat to the health and safety of neighbors, the landlord, or the tenant’s or landlord’s household members.”
Both eviction moratoriums, state, and Seattle’s, are in force through March 31, but we expect it to be extended again.
We are here to help you and your clients with all aspects of the rental market. Please contact us for further assistance!
Nothing found herein should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a legal opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of law. You should not rely solely on this information. We encourage our clients to work with a lawyer experienced in commercial and/or residential real estate matters as they can be complicated and confusing.