The Washington Court of Appeals reversed an order granting a writ of restitution, after determining a lower court improperly interpreted a state statute to evict a Washington man who leased and lived in a shed on a couple’s property.
In a May 2 opinion, Judge Linda CJ Lee for the Division II held that the superior court had erred in granting a writ of restitution to Matthew Howard and Cynthia Forland, as it was based on an incorrect interpretation of RCW 59.18.650(2)(d), eviction of tenant, refusal to continue tenancy, and end of period tenancy. Lee reversed the order, remanding for the superior court to dismiss the case, and award attorney fees and costs to the tenant, James Pinkerton.
