59.20.075 - Presumption of reprisal or retaliatory action.

Presumption of reprisal or retaliatory action.

Initiation by the landlord of any action listed in RCW 59.20.070(5) within one hundred twenty days after a good faith and lawful act by the tenant or within one hundred twenty days after any inspection or proceeding of a governmental agency resulting from such act, shall create a rebuttable presumption affecting the burden of proof, that the action is a reprisal or retaliatory action against the tenant: PROVIDED, That if the court finds that the tenant made a complaint or report to a governmental authority within one hundred twenty days after notice of a proposed increase in rent or other action in good faith by the landlord, there is a rebuttable presumption that the complaint or report was not made in good faith: PROVIDED FURTHER, That no presumption against the landlord shall arise under this section, with respect to an increase in rent, if the landlord, in a notice to the tenant of increase in rent, specifies reasonable grounds for said increase, which grounds may include a substantial increase in market value due to remedial action under this chapter.

[1999 c 359 § 9; 1984 c 58 § 3; 1980 c 152 § 6.]

Notes: Severability -- 1984 c 58: See note following RCW 59.20.200.