Seattle tenants may be evicted for and only for reasons set out in
the just cause evictions ordinance. SMC 2.206.160(C). The provisions are summarized below.
Note that for reasons other than number 1, the tenant must be month-to-month.
There is no ending a tenancy in Seattle with a 20-day notice absent a just cause. Absent a just cause the tenancy continues
indefinitely.
For example, a tenant who is current on rent but has habitually failed
to pay rent as defined below and is under a lease cannnot be evicted in Seattle absent some other just cause.
And again, it bares repeating, a tenant in Seattle even though month-to-month cannot be evicted absent a just cause.
They get to stay in your property.
2. Habitually fails to pay rent. Defined as
causing the landlord to notify of late rent 4 times in a 12 month period.
3. Habitually fails to comply with lease terms. Defined as
causing the landlord to serve 3 ten-day notices in a 12 month period.
4. The landlord intends to occupy the premises as his
or her primary residence. The landlord is presumed to have violated this provision if the landlord or a member
of his or her immediate family do not reside in the premises for 60 consecutive days within the 90 days following
the tenant vacating the premises. For
an example of what can happen to you if you violate this
provision click here.
5. The landlord intends to sell a single family residence. A 60-day notice must be given. The last day must be the last
day of a rental period. The landlord violates the Seattle just cause eviction ordinance if reasonable attempts are not made
to sell the property within 30 days after the tenant has vacated.
The landlord is presumed to not have intended to sell the property if
- the landlord fails within 30 days of the tenant vacating to, at a reasonable price, either list the property with a real
estate agent or advertise the property.
- the landlord removes the property from the market, rents to someone other than original tenant or otherwise indicates
an intention not to sell.
