Summary
Tenants in Washington state can file for a restraining order against landlords if they feel threatened or harassed. Document all incidents and communications thoroughly. File a petition at your local district court with supporting evidence, such as witness statements. For rent payments, landlords must accept at least one non-cash method. If your landlord refuses, notify them in writing and document all interactions. Seek legal advice for further assistance and consider contacting local agencies for housing support.Full Conversation
I live in Washington state and I’m currently dealing with a landlord that is unlawfully trying to have us keep the premises within 20 days even though we are not on a month-to-month lease we have paid partial rent and have been in communication with her, we no longer want to stay in the house because we feel unsafe but currently are having trouble figuring out finances for first last in a deposit for a new place plus, just having a hard time finding a new location to live that will be suitable for ourselves in our family due to the fact that I feel so unsafe I want to be able to get a restraining order. Is that usually something that can be granted to a tenant against the landlord?
****, in Washington state, tenants can seek a restraining order (anti-harassment order) against a landlord if they feel threatened or harassed.
Key points:
- Document all incidents and communications.
- File a petition at your local district court.
Do you have any specific incidents of harassment that you can detail?
oh I have a lot of incidences that I can listen in detail and I have witnesses, and I have people willing to write statements from previous tenants that have gone through the exact same thing as myself
****, it sounds like you have a strong case. Having detailed incidents, witnesses, and statements from previous tenants will support your petition. Here are your next steps:
- Gather Evidence: Compile all incident reports, communication records, and witness statements.
- File a Petition: Visit your local district court to file a petition for an anti-harassment order.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consider consulting with a local attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Would you like more details on how to file the petition or any other assistance?
Yes please
Filing a Petition for an Anti-Harassment Order in Washington State:
- Gather Evidence: Ensure all your documentation is organized, including incident reports, communication records, and witness statements.
- Local District Court: Visit your local district court to file a petition. The court staff can guide you through the process.
- Legal Advice: Consulting with a local attorney can provide tailored advice and strengthen your case.
Would you like assistance finding your local district court or more details on the petition process?
Also, do you have any information on how we can find Services to be able to help us with the funds to be able to move. We had just moved into this place five months ago and those moving costs basically drained all of our savings.
You might want to look into local resources that can assist with moving costs and housing stability. Here are some options available in Washington state:
- Washington State Department of Commerce: Offers various housing assistance programs.
- Catholic Community Services: Provides housing assistance and other support services.
- Local Community Action Agencies: They offer various support programs including rental and moving assistance.
Would you like more information on any specific agency or assistance program?
Yes I live in Ellensburg Washington so if you know of any agencies in this area, that would be the most helpful unless there are other agencies in Washington, that would help me while living in Ellensburg
****, here are some local resources in Ellensburg, WA that may help with housing assistance:
~Kittitas County Housing Authority
Phone: (*) *-*
Address: * W 11th Ave, Ellensburg, WA *
Website: www.kcha-ellensburg.org
~HopeSource
Phone: (*) *-*
Address: * E Mountain View Ave, Ste *, Ellensburg, WA *
Website: www.hopesource.us
Would you like more details about any specific program or agency?
Yes please because Hope Source has no funds available to help people and then also I need more information on how to handle my landlord if I do get the restraining order like for example how do you pay rent or how do you have any form of communication and hopefully through a third-party?
Handling Communication and Rent Payments with a Restraining Order:
- Third-Party Communication: You can request a third-party intermediary (like a property manager or attorney) to handle communications.
- Rent Payments: Continue paying rent through certified mail or electronic transfer. Document all payments.
Would you like more information on agencies other than HopeSource in Ellensburg that can help with funds?
Yes the landlord only accepts cash and payments though
Illegal Cash Payments:
- Washington state law requires landlords to accept at least one form of non-cash payment.
- RCW *.*.* mandates landlords to provide a receipt for cash payments.
Next Steps:
- Inform your landlord in writing that they must accept non-cash payments.
- Document all communications with your landlord.
- Seek legal advice to potentially file a complaint.
Would you like help finding a legal advisor or more details on filing a complaint?
she has refused to checks before
****, it's important to insist on a legal form of payment. Here are your options:
- Notify Landlord: Inform your landlord in writing that by law (RCW *.*.*), they must accept at least one form of non-cash payment.
- Document: Keep records of all your communications.
- Legal Advice: Consider consulting a local attorney for further assistance.
Would you like help finding a legal advisor or more details on filing a complaint?
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