EXPLAINED: Governor Inslee's Bridge Proclamation (COVID-19 Tenant Protections)

****UPDATE 8/3/2021: The CDC will extend the eviction moratorium through October 3, 2021.

While the federal eviction moratorium expires today (July 31, 2021), Washington residential tenants who are currently not up to date on all rental obligations (namely paying rent) may have additional time to prevent eviction due to a "bridge" proclamation Governor Jay Inslee signed back on June 29, 2021. More details after the jump break.

Nyman v. Hanley (2021)

On July 22, 2021, the Washington Supreme Court released its decision in Nyman v. Hanley. This published opinion can be cited as authority in any future Washington cases. More details after the jump break.

Webster v. Litz (2021)

On July 6, 2021, the Washington Court of Appeals, Division One, released its decision in Webster v. Litz. It is a published opinion, which can be cited as authority in any future Washington cases. More details after the jump break.

Summarized: HB 1277 (Eviction Protections)

Effective July 25, 2021, several RCW subsections will be added or amended via HB 1277. These provisions add revenue sources to fund eviction protections and housing stability services. Specifically, Sections 2 and 4 of the new law are the main parts.

This is the second of two posts on landlord-tenant bills Governor Inslee signed HB 1277 on May 10. More on this legislation after the jump break.

Summarized: HB 1236 (Additional Residential Tenant Protections)

Effective May 10, 2021, RCW 59.12 and RCW 59.18 were amended to provide additional residential tenant protections. As you will see, they are very significant.

This will be part one of two posts, as there was another bill Governor Inslee signed on May 10 that also covers landlord-tenant issues.

More on this legislation after the jump break.

Saralegui Blanco v. Gonzalez Sandoval et al (2021)

On April 29, 2021, the Washington Supreme Court released its decision in Saralegui Blanco v. Gonzalez Sandoval et al. More details after the jump break.

Summarized: SB 5160 (Landlord-Tenant Relations)

Effective April 22, 2021, the Washington State Legislature will add or amend sections to RCW 59.18 to provide additional tenant protections during COVID-19.

The biggest sections establish a pilot dispute resolution program (temporary for now), mandate attorneys to represent indigent tenants, and require landlords to submit reasonable repayment plans before filing an eviction matter in court.

More on this legislation after the jump break.

I also did not previously note at least two extensions on the eviction moratorium from Governor Inslee. The current moratorium, as of this post, runs through June 30, 2021.