Wash. Rev. Code § 59.21 § 59.21.100
Tenants -- Waiver of rights -- Attorney approval.
Operative Text
A tenant may, with the written approval of his or her attorney-at-law, waive or compromise their right to relocation assistance under this chapter.
Under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.21.100, a tenant who is entitled to relocation assistance under Chapter 59.21 RCW is not automatically locked into claiming that assistance — the law permits a tenant to give up or negotiate down that right, but only when the waiver or compromise is made in writing and has been approved by the tenant's own attorney. The attorney-approval requirement acts as a safeguard, ensuring that any decision to forgo relocation benefits is made with informed legal guidance rather than under pressure or without full understanding of what is being surrendered.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Chapter 59.21 RCW should be aware that § 59.21.100 sets a specific procedural threshold before any waiver or compromise of a tenant's relocation assistance rights can be considered valid. A compliant operator generally ensures that any agreement in which a tenant relinquishes relocation assistance is documented in writing and reflects the tenant's attorney's written approval — agreements that lack this element may not be enforceable. Keeping clear records of the approval process helps demonstrate that any waiver was obtained in accordance with the statute.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.21.100 gives tenants who qualify for relocation assistance under Chapter 59.21 RCW a meaningful protection: you cannot be asked to simply sign away those rights without your own attorney reviewing and approving the waiver in writing. If you are presented with any agreement that would reduce or eliminate your relocation assistance, this provision is relevant to whether that agreement is legally effective. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices can help you understand what relocation assistance you may be entitled to and what the attorney-approval requirement means in practice.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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