No-Fault Evictions: Kent vs Seattle
How do no-fault evictions rules compare between Kent, WA and Seattle, WA?
Kent and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Kent, WA
King County
Since 2021, Washington's just-cause statute RCW 59.18.650 prohibits no-fault evictions of month-to-month tenants. Landlords in King County must cite one of sixteen enumerated causes such as nonpayment, lease violation, owner move-in, or substantial rehabilitation.
View full Kent rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle's Just Cause Eviction Ordinance sharply limits no-fault evictions: landlords cannot terminate month-to-month or fixed-term tenancies without one of the enumerated causes in SMC 22.206.160, even when the lease ends.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kent | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| State citation | RCW 59.18.650 | - |
| Year enacted | 2021 (HB 1236) | - |
| Owner move-in notice | 90 days + assistance | - |
| Causes available | 16 enumerated grounds | - |
| Code section | - | SMC 22.206.160 |
| Notice range | - | 60-120 days |
| Winter ban | - | Dec 1 - Mar 1 |
| Relocation tie-in | - | SMC 22.210 |
| Damages | - | Treble plus attorney fees |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kent FAQ
Can I non-renew my tenant at lease end?
Only if you have one of the sixteen just causes listed in RCW 59.18.650. Otherwise the tenant is entitled to a renewal of equivalent length or a month-to-month rollover.
Is owner move-in still a valid reason?
Yes, but you must give 90 days written notice, pay relocation assistance to low-income tenants in cities that require it, and actually occupy the unit for at least 60 consecutive days.
Seattle FAQ
Can a landlord end a lease at expiration without cause?
No. Seattle treats fixed-term leases like month-to-month at expiration; the landlord still needs a just cause from SMC 22.206.160(C) to refuse renewal.
What is the winter eviction ban?
From December 1 through March 1, landlords generally cannot evict low- and moderate-income tenants except for safety-related causes such as criminal activity or imminent harm.
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