Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington

Re: Eviction

If you are in King, Pierce or Snohomish County, use the inernet to find Northwest Justice Project. This is associated with the King and Pierce County Bars and they fund a Housing Justice Project.

They have attorneys available who can help you.

The problem is this: You were "guilty" of unlawful detainer when you stayed after they served you a three day notice to pay or vacate. You cannot go back in time and fix this now, it is too late.

Now your landlord will get a judgment and a writ and you will be evicted for non payment. Unless a miracle occurs, and that is what you need to discuss with counsel, as soon as possible.

If the complaint is filed you respond to the Court and the plaintiff's attorney. If the complaint is unfiled you respond to the attorney but not the court.

You must do it in writing and on time. Be able to prove what you did; keep a copy, send it certified, or via fax and save the fax receipt.

But the meta-answer is that you should appear in the suit, then move out BEFORE the hearing. That will save you the aggravation of being forcibly removed and that will reduce your liability to your landlord.

I can't advise you more without more information, but HJP will help.

Elizabeth Powell