Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington

.................. in the dark

This is what the news called it after they came out. We had 4 units with partial power since May 19th. When the owner tries to fix it the cheap way he knocks out complete power in 4 other units among other plumbing damages, phone line damages and more. Housing authority asked that we write letters requesting to be relocated until power is restored. Isn't this something the landlord should have done after being in the dark for 48 hours. Two of the tenants received 48 hr notice to vacate after the news was here. There are many mold issues in several of the apartments and we still have safety hazards from all the construction that has been going on here. The mold issues we have been told have been here for years. There are several other issues that the housing authority is looking into that make this dwelling substandard and at times uninhabitable. Some tenants are afraid of retaliation. We are low income, working households, for many of us our rent is late due to we have had many other expenses that incurred during the 8 days that 4 units had no power and the 27 days that 4 other units had partial power. What rights do we have to ensure that we have a safe place for our children to live and breathe?


Asked on 6/23/07, 7:54 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Elizabeth Powell ELizabeth Powell PS Inc

Re: .................. in the dark

You need to read RCW 59.18.085 and .110 very carefully. Then you need to WRITE to the landlord and the COUNTY BUILDING DEPARTMENT and demand an inspection.

They have to do it within five business days of your request. When you know the county and the landlord are aware of the inspection results, call the news people.

There is no such thing as a 48 hour notice to vacate. Inspect perhaps, but not vacate.

Don't let the County evade responsibility here. And remember, the housing authority may be your landlord, but they still have to comply with health and safety rules promulgated by the county, according to the State.

ANd before you move out, contact a premises liability personal injury lawyer such as Dan Kyler.

Hope this helps. Elizabeth Powell

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Answered on 6/23/07, 10:58 pm


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