Washington State Eviction Moratorium Extension II

On December 31, 2020, Governor Inslee of Washington State issued Proclamation 20-19.5, extending the previous moratorium on evictions, late fees, rent increases and collection efforts until 11:59pm on March 31, 2021. Click here for the previous October article on the Washington State Eviction Moratorium.

Proclamation 20-19.5 is virtually identical to the previous moratorium but for the following changes:

1. The prohibition does not apply to emergency shelters where length of stay is conditioned upon a resident’s participation in, and compliance with, a supportive services program.
2. As previously advised in 20-19.4, it is permissible for landlords, property owners and property managers to provide information to residents regarding financial resources. Proclamation 20.19-5 also includes coordinating with residents in applying for rent assistance through the state’s Emergency Rent Assistance Program (ERAP) or an alternative state rent assistance program.
3. The order extends state emergency rent assistance programs and incorporates the newly approved federal rental assistance funding. The goal is to now allow landlords, property owners, and property managers to initiate an application for rental assistance. No further information was provided on how to obtain the federal rental assistance funding.

Please note that these changes are in addition to the restrictions of the prior proclamation, and as such, review of the linked article is recommended.

This article is not intended as legal advice. Please obtain advice of an attorney for any policy change or decisions regarding residential and commercial Landlord-Tenant matters.