Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington

Roommate dispute.

I am the sole lessee and have paid 6 months in advance as well as all deposits and utilities. A long time friend is living with me who is not on the lease and has paid no rent. For 3 days she has been violent, threatening, black mailing me and yesterday she called the police on me which resulted with no action. Help! I really need her out as soon as possible but I don't know what action to take. I am worried about leaving the house and for my safety. Thank you for your time.


Asked on 9/18/08, 11:14 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Amir John Showrai The Pacific Law Firm, PLLC

Re: Roommate dispute.

What you need is to seek a restraining order that allows you to call the police if your friend violates its terms and give the police the power to arrest the friend.

I suggest that you get in touch with local counsel ASAP and have them get into court first thing in the morning and they can get you the orders you need, and can have the police serve them if you like.

You will then have a return hearing in 14 days, at which time the friend will have an opportunity to explain why there is no restraining order needed. If the court finds that you have reasonable facts to support your case and in short finds that by a preponderance of the evidence (anything over 50%) that you have met your burden of proving your allegations, then the court will enter the protection order or restraining order, keeping your friend away from you at work, home, and anywhere they encounter you, as well as to prevent this person from any contact with you by any means, including through third parties.

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Answered on 9/18/08, 11:33 pm


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