22.205.010 - Reasons for termination of tenancy
Pursuant to provisions of the Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW
59.18.290), an owner may not evict a residential tenant without a court order, which
can be issued by a court only after the tenant has an opportunity in a show cause
hearing to contest the eviction (RCW 59.18.380). An owner of a housing unit shall
not evict or attempt to evict any tenant, or otherwise terminate or attempt to terminate
the tenancy of any tenant, unless the owner can prove in court that just cause exists.
Regardless of whether just cause for eviction may exist, an owner may not evict a
residential tenant from a rental housing unit if: the unit is not registered with
the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections if required by Section 22.214.040; the landlord has failed to comply with subsection 7.24.030.J as required and the
reason for terminating the tenancy is that the tenancy ended at the expiration of
a specified term or period; or if Sections 22.205.080, 22.205.090, or 22.205.110 provide the tenant a defense to the eviction.
An owner is in compliance with the registration requirement if the rental housing
unit is registered with the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections before
issuing a notice to terminate tenancy. The reasons for termination of tenancy listed
below, and no others, shall constitute just cause under this Chapter 22.205:
A.