How the Attorney General’s Office will enforce the wildfire eviction moratorium

The wildfires in the eastern half of the state have destroyed hundreds of homes and displaced thousands of Washingtonians. Renters are particularly vulnerable during this crisis. The Washington State Attorney General's office is enforcing the Governor's eviction moratorium related to the wildfires in Spokane and throughout central and eastern Washington.

"In this time of crisis, we must prioritize protecting people from further displacement and uncertainty," said AG Nick Brown. "Our office is ready to support renters who are covered by the eviction protections in the latest emergency proclamation."

The emergency proclamation issued on Monday by Gov. Ferguson placed a moratorium on the execution of eviction orders by local law enforcement until August 25, unless the Washington court's eviction order clearly states that the named individual is creating a significant and immediate risk to the health, safety, or property of others, or unless the tenant received a full 90 days' notice in writing of the owner's intent to occupy or sell the property. It also prohibits landlords from taking possession of an "abandoned" property through the end of August if the residents had to leave because of the fires. These renter protections apply in Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens, and Yakima counties, as well as the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and the Spokane Tribe of Indians land.

Washingtonians across the state are also sheltering displaced family members or friends. Through the end of August, landlords anywhere in the state are prohibited from evicting their tenants for hosting people and their pets who have been displaced by the wildfires.

If a renter or owner of a manufactured home believes their landlord is violating any of these protections, they should contact the Office of the Attorney General and file a complaint. Questions may also be directed to [email protected] or by calling the AG's office at (360) 633-8915.

View additional resources from the Washington State Department of Commerce.

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Washington's Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state's largest law firm, the Attorney General's Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington's 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

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