[WA] [WA] Can we sue our landlord for retaliation and water overcharges?
Our landlord, Mike, just filed to evict the Unit A tenants (Jason and Reanna) for nonpayment/breach. We’ve endured a year of serious nuisance, threats, and dangerous behavior from them, and Mike refused to act until now. He put Will on month-to-month after we complained and never added me to the lease despite approving my application and promising in writing. There’s only one water meter; Mike’s made us pay the entire bill for years when Unit A was empty—likely totaling $30k+. I’m trying to understand: What are my rights? Do I have grounds to sue for retaliation/breach? Can we compel the court to act faster? Does the utility overcharge qualify for damages?
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It appears the landlord didn’t act timely but is addressing the tenant issues now. Since you remained in possession, constructive eviction will be hard unless you were forced to leave after a reasonable time passed post-notice. You can seek rent abatement for the landlord’s breaches and for overcharges (RCW 59.18.110). Check your lease re: legal fees—if the landlord prevails, he may recover fees. Emotional distress claims are difficult but possible. Let me know if you need clarification.
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What are my rights as a rent-paying tenant in a duplex where the landlord is suing the other tenants for nonpayment and lease violations that have directly impacted my quality of life? This is in Mercer Island, WA (King County).
Lexi, Chatbot
Have you communicated your concerns to your landlord about the impact on your living situation?
Our landlord, Mike, just filed to evict the Unit A tenants (Jason and Reanna) for nonpayment/breach. We’ve endured a year of serious nuisance, threats, and dangerous behavior from them, and Mike refused to act until now. He put Will on month-to-month after we complained and never added me to the lease despite approving my application and promising in writing. There’s only one water meter; Mike’s made us pay the entire bill for years when Unit A was empty—likely totaling $30k+. I’m trying to understand: What are my rights? Do I have grounds to sue for retaliation/breach? Can we compel the court to act faster? Does the utility overcharge qualify for damages?
Lexi, Chatbot
Are you facing any specific disputes with your landlord related to this?
Yes.
Lexi, Chatbot
Anything else the landlord-tenant lawyer should know?
Yes.
GAL
Hi. My name is GAL. Are you available to discuss now?
Yes.
GAL
It appears the landlord didn’t act timely but is addressing the tenant issues now. Since you remained in possession, constructive eviction will be hard unless you were forced to leave after a reasonable time passed post-notice. You can seek rent abatement for the landlord’s breaches and for overcharges (RCW 59.18.110). Check your lease re: legal fees—if the landlord prevails, he may recover fees. Emotional distress claims are difficult but possible. Let me know if you need clarification.
Thanks.
GAL
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