Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington

Re: Responding to motions filed for Small Claims.

I'd need to know more specifics to give you the best advice, but here's my take:

You have a mediation date pending; that's when the defendant can argue that you have failed to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, not in a motion before then.

Yes, you need to respond, and yes, respond to the court and send copies to the other party. Respond ahead of time so everybody has a chance to see what your answer is.

Their request to "move" the date and the place may or may not be too late - I cannot tell.

Did you sue them where they live or where the rental house was located?

They can claim whatever they want, and settlement negotiations are completely inadmissible under the rules of evidence.

The only "motion" a defendant in a small claims case can make that should cause you to sit up and pay attention is a motion to transfer the case to civil status because they want to get a lawyer.

Lawyers are not allowed in small claims. So, the case has to be transferred. Sounds to me as though they do have a lawyer, but he's hiding.

Your job is to have your evidence prepared to demonstrate why you are entitled to whatever it is you are claiming you are entitled to. A copy of the contract, a copy of the relevant law, a copy of the checks you wrote, or other proof you paid, etc. Make copies for the judge and opposing party and yourself, the originals go to the clerk to be filed with the pleadings.

I hope this helps. Powell