remand for proceedings consistent with this opinion. We also vacate the award for attorney fees.
FACTS
I. BACKGROUND
1930 LLC alleges that the parties entered into an oral agreement in September 2014,
establishing a month-to-month lease where the Jacksons would pay $1,350.00 monthly to reside
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58674-6-II
in the house at 33 Bennett Lane, Oakville. 1930 LLC alleges the Jacksons stopped paying rent
after January 2023. On July 3, 2023, 1930 LLC attempted to serve the Jacksons with a 14-day
notice to pay rent or vacate the premises and the eviction resolution pilot program (ERPP) notice
and resource information form.1 Unable to reach the Jacksons at their residence, 1930 LLC posted
the notices on their front door. 1930 LLC subsequently served the Jacksons with a 90-day notice
to vacate and a written notice of intent to sell property. On July 26, 1930 LLC filed an unlawful
detainer action against the Jacksons, seeking termination of the Jacksons’ tenancy, $8,100.00 for
unpaid rent, a break and enter order, and reasonable attorney fees. Simultaneously, 1930 LLC
moved for a show cause hearing, which was granted, and a hearing was scheduled for August 14,
2023.
On Tuesday, August 8, the Jacksons filed a letter with the court responding to the
complaint. The Jacksons argued they owned the property after completing a 15-year lease-to-own
contract with Security State Bank.2 They also contended that they never interacted with 1930 LLC
throughout their tenancy, making payments only to Security State Bank.
II. SHOW CAUSE HEARING
At the August 14 show cause hearing, the court noted that the Jacksons “had not filed a