Olympia Eviction Lawyer: Protecting Your Rights and Property

Whether you’re a landlord trying to regain possession of your property or a tenant facing the threat of eviction, navigating Washington’s eviction laws can be stressful and complex.
At such a critical moment, having a knowledgeable Olympia eviction lawyer from
Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess by your side can make all the difference.
Schedule your consultation today.

For landlords, an experienced attorney can ensure all required steps are followed, from drafting legally compliant notices to representing you in unlawful detainer actions. An Olympia eviction lawyer from Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess will help protect your property rights while reducing costly delays and avoiding legal pitfalls that can jeopardize your case.

For tenants, an attorney can help fight wrongful evictions, identify legal defenses, and work to protect your housing rights. This includes challenging improper notices, raising issues such as retaliation or habitability violations, and negotiating settlements to avoid court judgments.

At the heart of any eviction case are complex legal rights and high personal stakes. Whether you’re trying to enforce a lease or defend your home, our Olympia eviction attorneys at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess are here to guide you through the process, protect your interests, and fight for the best possible outcome.

Balancing the Interests of Landlords and Tenants in Washington

Washington state’s landlord-tenant laws aim to create a fair balance between protecting tenants’ rights and allowing landlords to manage their properties effectively. The Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) sets clear rules for both parties, ensuring tenants have access to safe, livable housing while also giving landlords legal tools to enforce lease agreements and remove problem tenants.

Recent updates to Washington law, such as requiring repayment plans for missed rent and offering more structured notice procedures, reflect the state’s effort to provide stability for tenants without undermining a landlord’s ability to recover their property when needed.

What a Landlord Needs to Do Before They Can Evict a Tenant in Washington

A landlord must have a lawful reason to evict a tenant. Common grounds include nonpayment of rent, lease violations, property damage, or illegal activity. “No cause” evictions are allowed only in limited circumstances and typically require longer notice periods.

The eviction process starts with giving the tenant a written notice. The type of notice depends on the reason for eviction:

• 14-Day Notice to Pay or Vacate for unpaid rent.
• 10-Day Notice to Comply or Vacate for lease violations.
• 3-Day Notice to Quit for illegal activity or serious safety threats.
• 20-Day Notice for certain month-to-month terminations.

For rent-related evictions, landlords must offer a reasonable repayment plan, especially if rent was missed during or after the pandemic emergency period. If the tenant doesn’t comply, the landlord must file an unlawful detainer action in court. Landlords must avoid “self-help” evictions like changing locks or shutting off utilities.

What Is the Court Process for an Eviction in Washington?

Evictions in Washington must follow a formal process called an unlawful detainer action. Only the court can order an eviction, and it must be carried out by law enforcement. After notice is served and the tenant fails to comply, the landlord files a summons and complaint.

Tenants can respond and raise defenses such as improper notice, retaliation, discrimination, or habitability violations. If the court rules in the landlord’s favor, a writ of restitution authorizes the sheriff to carry out the eviction. There is typically a short grace period before the eviction is physically enforced.

Tenant Defenses to Eviction in Washington

Tenants may defend against eviction by showing improper notice, retaliation, discrimination, or violations of the warranty of habitability. In nonpayment cases, tenants may assert the landlord didn’t offer a legally required repayment plan.

Another potential defense involves eviction counterclaims, where tenants allege violations such as harassment or illegal landlord conduct.

Legal representation helps tenants present evidence and argue their position in court more effectively.

What Is a Tenant’s Remedy When the Landlord Violates Eviction Laws in Washington?

If a landlord violates eviction laws, tenants may sue for actual damages and file complaints with authorities. Courts may issue injunctions or award compensation. Violations include illegal lockouts, utility shutoffs, and discrimination under laws like the Fair Housing Act.

How an Attorney Helps Landlords in Olympia

Attorneys help landlords by ensuring legal compliance during evictions, drafting notices, and defending against claims. They also assist with lease enforcement and navigating Olympia-specific regulations.

How an Attorney Helps Tenants in the Eviction Process

Attorneys can review court documents, raise legal defenses, negotiate settlements, and even reduce the impact of a formal eviction on a tenant’s record. Legal counsel is essential for protecting tenant rights under Washington law.

Contact an Olympia Eviction Lawyer Today

Whether you are a landlord or tenant, the experienced Olympia eviction attorneys at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess can help. Don’t face this process alone—schedule your consultation today to speak with an Olympia eviction lawyer who will fight for your rights and give you peace of mind.