What steps can a tenant take to prevent an eviction?

A tenant in Washington can take several steps to prevent an eviction. The first step is to stay current on rent payments. This means paying rent on time and in full each month. If the tenant falls behind on rent payments, he or she should contact the landlord immediately to discuss the situation and work out a payment plan. If a tenant is unable to pay rent, the landlord may offer options such as allowing the tenant to work out a payment plan, providing the tenant more time to pay, or waiving a portion of the rent. Another important step a tenant can take to prevent an eviction is to follow the terms of the rental agreement. This includes following all rules set by the landlord, such as keeping the property clean and maintaining it in good condition. Tenants should also take all necessary steps to reduce noise and other disruptive behavior, such as refraining from having large, loud parties or playing loud music. It is also important for tenants to keep in contact with their landlords. Communicating frequently with the landlord can help to build a strong, positive relationship and may help to prevent any misunderstandings that could lead to an eviction. Tenants should also keep a copy of all rental agreements and other written notifications from the landlord, like late rent notices or notices to terminate the rental agreement. Keeping these documents can help to protect the tenant should an eviction situation arise.

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