Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington

Eviction 2/2002

Two days after 9/11, my pay was cut due to Well's Fargo losses when the twin towers fell. The available cash to our company was cut. I went to the rental management company (Misty) and told them I would be late on the rent but was told as long as it wasn't over 17 days late, I wouldn�t be evicted. That they automatically generate letters threatening eviction and to ignore them. This happened three times at which ironically, I would have been current from that point on. My wife and I kept them (Misty) informed but on the 3rd month, we received an eviction notice. The management representative lied in court but it turns out the contract itself didn�t allow her (employee) to make the promise regarding our not being evicted. I could have borrowed the money and avoided this whole mess. I paid the money to the Clerk of Court before the hearing. I didn�t have a lawyer due to financial reasons at the time. On a personal note, it was difficult listening to the judge telling Misty how kind she was for letting us be late for two months. I should never have listened to her. My credit report shows the civil judgment. Is there anything that can be done to remove it?


Asked on 9/04/06, 12:35 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Elizabeth Powell ELizabeth Powell PS Inc

Re: Eviction 2/2002

Pay it off and get a satisfaction of judgment. That is a document where the creditor acknowedges receiving payment in full (or compromise).

There is nothing you can do about reducing or eliminating the debt five years later, with the possible exception of taking a bankruptcy. You'll want to consult with a lawyer who practices in that area, as the laws have changed significantly in the last year.

Lesson to learn here: All communications with your landlord should be in writing, even if you are merely confirming your understanding of a verbal communication.

I see folks in court every week with heartrenching stories of loss and the bottom like is still Pay Your Rent First.

There is no right to housing. If you slip up, you face eviction and it will show up on your credit history for ten years.

I know there was nothing you could do at the time. Unfortunately, there is nothing anyone can do five years later.

Powell

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Answered on 9/04/06, 12:54 pm


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