Retaliation Protections

More information coming soon.

Terminations of tenancy and rent increases that are retaliatory or discriminatory are illegal (RCW.59.240, RCW 59.18.250). Retaliation against tenants who assert their rights under landlord-tenant law is prohibited under the landlord-tenant act. A court may find that the landlord illegally retaliated against the tenant if the landlord took a negative action against the tenant within 90 days after the tenant has asserted their rights under landlord-tenant law. For example, it may be considered retaliation for a landlord to serve a notice for nonpayment of rent when the tenant is fully paid up in rent in response to a tenant who asks for a repair to be made. However, it can still be extremely difficult to prove and may not be enough to stop an eviction lawsuit from proceeding. Be sure to get as much written documentation as possible. Retaliation can be raised as a defense in your written answer as well, and can be raised verbally in court as well.

Terminations of tenancy and rent increases that are retaliatory or discriminatory are illegal (RCW.59.240, RCW 59.18.250). Retaliation against tenants who assert their rights under landlord-tenant law is prohibited under the landlord-tenant act. A court may find that the landlord illegally retaliated against the tenant if the landlord took a negative action against the tenant within 90 days after the tenant has asserted their rights under landlord-tenant law. For example, it may be considered retaliation for a landlord to serve a notice for nonpayment of rent when the tenant is fully paid up in rent in response to a tenant who asks for a repair to be made. However, it can still be extremely difficult to prove and may not be enough to stop an eviction lawsuit from proceeding. Be sure to get as much written documentation as possible. Retaliation can be raised as a defense in your written answer as well, and can be raised verbally in court as well.