Landlord lawyer in Silverdale, WA

Real estate

Counsel for landlords and property owners

Owning rental property is a business, and like any business it runs on good contracts and careful compliance. Kitsap Law Group represents landlords, property owners and property managers, both residential and commercial, from the lease signing through the end of a tenancy.

Washington's rules for rental housing have grown more detailed and more demanding in recent years. The Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, fair housing and disability access requirements, and local ordinances all affect how you screen, write leases, serve notices and handle deposits. Even experienced owners can trip over a step that has changed.

Our goal is to help you resolve problems fairly and efficiently, and, when a tenancy has to end, to make sure the process is done correctly so it holds up in court.

Leases for single-family homes, multi-unit buildings and commercial space
Notices prepared and served the way Washington law requires
Unlawful detainer actions handled from the owner's side

John Brennan in the conference room with law books

Commercial and residential property owners

We have negotiated and prepared leases for multi-unit housing, commercial space and single-family homes across Silverdale, Bremerton and the rest of Kitsap County. Commercial leases raise their own questions, such as who pays for tenant improvements, how common area costs are shared and what happens if the business tenant sells. Residential rentals bring a different set of rules on notices, deposits, entry and repairs.

Keeping up with changing rules

Washington landlord-tenant law has changed several times in recent years, and some cities have added their own requirements on top of state law. Because our attorneys also work in municipal law, we keep an eye on local ordinances and how they interact with state rules. If you own property in more than one jurisdiction, we can help you understand where the requirements differ.

What we handle

How we help landlords and owners

Most landlord problems are easier and less costly to prevent than to fix. We help with both.

Lease drafting

Residential and commercial leases written for your property, with clear terms on rent, deposits, maintenance, pets, use and renewal.
Lease negotiation

Negotiating commercial lease terms with prospective tenants and their counsel, including improvements, assignment and default provisions.
Notices

Preparing pay or vacate, comply or vacate and other notices so the content, timing and service meet current requirements.
Evictions

Unlawful detainer actions for nonpayment of rent, lease violations and holdovers in residential and commercial tenancies.
Security deposits

Move-in checklists, deposit handling and the written accounting owners must provide when a tenancy ends.
Mediation

Representing owners in mediation and settlement discussions when a negotiated resolution makes more sense than a court date.
Compliance reviews

Reviewing your forms, policies and practices against state landlord-tenant law, fair housing rules and local ordinances.

Our approach

When an eviction is necessary

No landlord is in business to put someone out of a home. But rental property is an investment, and sometimes ending a tenancy is the only way to protect it. Washington courts expect landlords to follow each procedural step exactly, and a defect in a notice or in service can mean starting over. We handle these matters carefully and respectfully, from commercial nonpayment cases to residential lease violations.

Review the lease and the history
We look at the lease, payment records, prior notices and communications to confirm the grounds and the right path.
Prepare and serve the notice
We draft the correct notice for the situation and make sure it is served properly.
Explore resolution
Where it fits, we pursue a payment plan, move-out agreement or mediated resolution that ends the dispute without trial.
File and appear in court
If the matter does not resolve, we file the unlawful detainer action and represent you at the hearing in Kitsap County or the county where the property is located.

Who handles it

Attorneys who handle real estate

David P. Horton's practice ranges from complex civil litigation to commercial evictions, and he represents property owners in real estate matters. John Brennan represents clients in real property and landlord-tenant matters.

Meet the full team

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Can I write my own lease from a template?

You can, but generic templates often include terms that are unenforceable in Washington or leave out disclosures state law requires. A lease written or reviewed for your property and your goals helps prevent disputes and gives you a stronger position if one arises.

What happens if my eviction notice has a mistake in it?

Washington courts generally require landlords to follow notice and service requirements closely. A notice with the wrong amount, the wrong time period or improper service can delay the case or require you to start over. Having an attorney prepare the notice is one of the simplest ways to avoid that.

Do you handle commercial evictions as well as residential?

Yes. We represent owners of single-family homes, multi-unit buildings and commercial space. Commercial and residential tenancies follow different rules in Washington, and we work with both.

How should I handle a security deposit when a tenant moves out?

Washington law sets requirements for how deposits are documented at move-in and accounted for at move-out, including a written statement of any amounts kept. The timing and content rules are strict, so it is worth having an attorney confirm your process before a tenancy ends.

Can you review my rental forms and policies?

Yes. We review leases, applications, notices and house rules against current state law, fair housing and disability access requirements, and any local ordinances that apply to your property.

Is mediation an option before going to court?

Often it is, and in some situations it is part of the process. A negotiated agreement on back rent or a move-out date can save time and expense. We represent owners in those discussions and advise on whether a proposed agreement protects your interests.

A tenant is making claims against me that I believe are untrue. What should I do?

Keep your records together: the lease, payment history, photos, repair requests and every written communication. Avoid responding in anger or changing how you treat the tenancy until you understand your position. An attorney can review the claim, respond on your behalf and help you resolve it fairly, or defend you if it goes further.