skip to main content

Washington

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on August 18, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Washington, we recommend that you visit the state’s COVID-19 Resources website.

resource search icon

Description of Program and Relief

Moratorium on Residential Evictions and Other Relief

The City of Seattle placed a moratorium on residential evictions in the City, which expired June 4, 2020. Subsequently, the City Council also passed a new legal defense that evicted tenants can use for six months after the city's eviction moratorium ended. If tenants can provide proof of financial hardship, they can use non-payment of rent as an eviction defense. The new legal defense for evicted tenants is effective from June 4, 2020 until December 4, 2020.

Government or Lead Agency

City of Seattle, Office of the Mayor

Dates Available

The moratorium was effective March 16, 2020 through June 4, 2020, subject to the Mayor’s extension. The new legal defense for evicted tenants is effective from June 4, 2020 until December 4, 2020.

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

All residents of the city of Seattle are eligible; however, the Mayor has encouraged tenants to continue making rent payments, to the extent they can, and those struggling to make rent should work with their landlord on payment plans.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

N/A

Contact for More Information

Contact the Seattle Mayor’s Office at (206) 684-4000.

List of Additional Information

For a copy of the Mayor’s Order, click here.

For a copy of a newsletter discussing the Order, click here.

For a copy of Frequently Asked Questions concerning the order, click here.


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

© 2024 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

Privacy Policy