March 15, 2021
Today, Mayor Durkan extended the Seattle eviction moratorium for an additional three months.
While the residential eviction moratorium is in place in Seattle, property owners may not issue notices of termination or otherwise initiate an eviction action with the courts unless there is an imminent threat to the health and safety of the community. Along with halting evictions, the order also prevents tenants from incurring late fees, interest, or other charges due to late payment of rent during the moratorium. However, tenants are still legally obligated to pay rent during the moratorium and landlords are encouraged to offer flexible payment plans. In addition, tenants in Seattle have the added protection after the moratorium is lifted of a six month defense to eviction for non-payment of rent if they can demonstrate financial hardship.