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🔑 Rental Property Rules/Just Cause Eviction

Redmond vs Seattle

How do just cause eviction rules compare between Redmond, WA and Seattle, WA?

Redmond and Seattle have similar restriction levels.

Redmond, WA

King County

Heavy Restrictions

Redmond follows Washington RCW 59.18.650, which requires landlords to show one of 16 enumerated just causes to end a residential tenancy. No separate city ordinance exists.

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Seattle, WA

King County

Heavy Restrictions

Seattle enforces one of the nation's strongest just cause eviction ordinances under SMC 22.206.160(C), requiring landlords to demonstrate one of 18 legally defined reasons to terminate a tenancy, complemented by Washington's statewide just cause law (RCW 59.18.650).

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Key Facts Comparison

FactRedmondSeattle
State LawRCW 59.18.650RCW 59.18.650 – Statewide just cause eviction
Just Causes16 enumerated reasons18 legally defined grounds for termination
Owner Move-In Notice90 days-
Nonpayment Notice14 days-
ContactRedmond (425) 556-2900-
City Code-SMC 22.206.160(C) – Just Cause Eviction Ordinance
Penalty-Up to $1,000 per violation plus damages and attorney fees
Relocation Assistance-Required for no-fault evictions such as owner move-in or demolition

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Redmond FAQ

Can a Redmond landlord terminate a month-to-month tenancy without cause?

No. Under RCW 59.18.650, landlords must provide one of 16 specific just causes in writing. No-cause terminations of month-to-month tenancies are prohibited statewide.

How much notice is required for owner move-in in Redmond?

90 days written notice is required if the landlord or immediate family intends to occupy the unit as a primary residence under RCW 59.18.650.

Seattle FAQ

Can my landlord evict me without a reason in Seattle?

No. Seattle's Just Cause Eviction Ordinance requires landlords to have one of 18 legally specified reasons to end a tenancy. This applies to all rental housing in Seattle. Common just causes include nonpayment of rent, material lease violations, owner occupancy, and substantial rehabilitation. Washington state also has a statewide just cause eviction law providing baseline protections.

What happens if my landlord tries to evict me without just cause?

An eviction without just cause is void and unenforceable. You can raise the lack of just cause as a defense in court. If the landlord violates the ordinance, they may be liable for up to $1,000 per violation, your actual damages, and your attorney fees. You can also file a complaint with the Seattle Office of Housing.

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