Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington

Eviction of someone who was once asked to stay.

How do I get rid of someone that refuses to leave my property? I offered them a place to park their small trailer and made it clear it was a temporary situation. The offer was made with the understanding between both parties that they would help out around the place in lieu of rent. They would pay $50 a month for electricity. They have been here almost a year and after the first month stopped any sort of ''help'' and have periodically paid some of the Elec bill.

3 months ago I gave them notice that they would have to be gone by March 1st. I got no response. I repeated the notice a couple times. On Feb 10th I get a nasty email stating basically that they were not leaving until they were ready to. They have piled a lot of stuff all over the property and I can not offer the property for sale with them and all of their belongings strewn about. I just need to get them to move out. There is no written agreement of tenancy between us so I can't use the landlord stuff.

Do I have the right to start removing their stuff? Can I have their trailer towed off? What rights do I have?


Asked on 2/12/06, 6:14 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Elizabeth Powell ELizabeth Powell PS Inc

Re: Eviction of someone who was once asked to stay.

Hello: You know the old saying about a good deed never going unpunished?

In WA even a trespasser has basic rights to due process. You state that you can't use the landlord tenant act because there is no written agreement, and there you are incorrect.

People enter into tenancies on the strength of an oral agreement all the time. You clearly have tenants, and the writing is not the issue. Treat them like tenants, and you will be fine.

You need to EVICT this person, formally. If you pack up their stuff and throw it out you risk getting sued. Please don't risk that. If you want more help please don't hesitate to call.

Elizabeth Powell

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Answered on 2/12/06, 7:23 pm


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