Best Real Estate Lawyers Yakima, WA

Yakima, WA Real Estate FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Yakima, Washington?

  For non-emergency cases, you may contact the Yakima City Police Department at 509-575-6200.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Yakima, Washington?

  You can obtain a copy of a police report by submitting a request online at https://yakimawa.nextrequest.com/. Requests for records can also be emailed to public.records@yakimawa.gov or submitted in person to the Office of the City Clerk, 129 N. 2nd St., Yakima, WA 98901. For further inquiries, you may contact the City Clerk’s office at 509-575-6037.

• How does adverse possession work in Yakima?

  To establish adverse possession in Yakima, specific conditions must be met, including physical use, exclusive possession without permission for 10 years, uninterrupted possession, visible and apparent possession, and hostile entry. Alternatively, if a person has owned a property and faithfully paid all taxes for seven years under a "good faith color of title," they only need to demonstrate actual, visible, and widely known possession to establish an adverse possession claim.

• Can a homeowner's association foreclose on a property in Yakima?

  Yes. If you are part of a homeowners' association and fall behind on assessments in Yakima, the association can place a lien on your home. In cases of non-payment, the HOA has the right to initiate foreclosure proceedings. The priority of the lien determines how other liens, such as a mortgage, are affected if the HOA decides to foreclose.

• Can you withhold rent for repairs in Yakima?

  No. Apart from the specific right to make minor repairs and deduct their cost from the rent, tenants in Yakima do not have the authority to withhold rent. There are limitations on the cost per repair, and it is necessary to provide reasonable notice to the landlord before proceeding with the deduction.

• Can my landlord raise my rent in Yakima?

  Yes. Since rent control does not exist in Washington State, landlords in Yakima can increase rent without limitations in most cases. Nevertheless, if you fail to pay rent, you may request a payment plan. In any circumstance, you can attempt to negotiate with your landlord to refrain from raising the rent for a specific duration. It is advisable to have any agreements made in writing for clarity and documentation purposes.

• Can a landlord evict tenants for no reason in Yakima?

  In Yakima, landlords must have valid reasons to evict tenants and cannot do so without cause. Tenants can stay until the end of their rental period if they follow the rules. However, if tenants remain in the property after their lease expires without renewal, they may be evicted. Landlords typically issue a 20-day notice to terminate the lease, regardless of the tenancy type. If tenants stay beyond the notice period, landlords can then start eviction proceedings.