This Tenant Tip addresses RCW 59.18.550 of the Washington State Residential Landlord Tenant Act (RLTA), clarifying the rights and requirements of tenants living in “drug and alcohol free housing,” including their right to due process in an eviction – also known as an Unlawful Detainer Action (UDA).
Under this section of the law, any tenant who lives in drug and alcohol free housing is entitled to a rental agreement IN WRITING and access to supportive services through recovery programs (i.e. Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous).
In addition, the rental agreement must include the following provisions:
- The tenant and invited guests may not use any illegal substances, controlled substances or prescription drugs without a prescription on the premises.
- The tenant can be required to take a urine analysis test for drug and alcohol at the landlord’s discretion and expense.
- On a quarterly basis (at minimum), the tenant must provide documentation from the recovery program they are participating in to report progress abstaining from drugs and alcohol.
Furthermore, the landlord must provide a drug- and alcohol-free environment for all tenants and an employee who monitors the compliance with program rules.
The following types of entities are considered to be landlords under the RLTA and must provide the specific requirements and services under RCW 59.18.550:
- nonprofit corporations under Title 24 RCW
- for profit corporations under Title 23B RCW
- housing authorities created under Chapter 35.82 RCW which also provide federally assisted housing under Chapter 59.28 RCW
The eviction process is slightly different for tenants living in drug and alcohol free housing. A landlord can terminate tenancy by delivering a three-day notice to the tenant with one day to comply if the tenant uses, possesses or shares alcohol, prescription drugs without a prescription, or illegal substances on the premises. A tenant may be given the three-day notice if their invited guests are participating in such actions as well.
A three-day notice to terminate tenancy with one day to comply gives the tenant one day after receipt of the notice to stop the use of drugs or alcohol and be in compliance. If the tenant complies, the landlord cannot go further with the eviction and the rental agreement does not terminate. If the tenant is not able to comply within one day after receiving the notice – and at the end of the three-day period, if the tenant has not vacated – the landlord can continue with the eviction process by serving a summons for UDA.
Our website lists an eviction timeline, including the court process to physically remove a tenant from the premises. If the tenant violates the same rule within six months of receiving a three-day notice, the landlord can begin the eviction process by issuing another three-day notice without the option for the tenant to comply again. This section provides the same eviction process and timeline during which landlords are allowed to evict a tenant under 59.12 RCW.
Because of the complexity of this information, it will be posted in two parts. In Evictions in Clean & Sober Housing (Part 2), we’ll further address some of the barriers that people living in clean and sober housing face – including the problems a faster eviction process would pose – and how these tenants could benefit from additional protections allowing them to remain in stable housing.
Solid Ground’s Tenant Tips provide general information for Washington state renters. People with specific questions should call our Tenant Services Voice Message Line at the number below. You can also visit our For Tenants webpages at any time where you’ll find a wealth of self-help information.
TENANT SERVICES VOICE MESSAGE LINE
206.694.6767 | TTY: 7.1.1
Solid Ground’s Tenant Counselors meet with tenants by phone. Washington state tenants may call our VOICE MESSAGE line, currently receiving messages Mondays and Thursdays, 10:30am – 1:30pm, except holidays (hours and days may change). Please leave a message with your tenant questions, and we’ll return your call as quickly as possible.
Solid Ground Tenant Services Disclaimer
The information contained in or linked to the Solid Ground Tenant Services website is for informational purposes only. Solid Ground makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to its website. Solid Ground cannot act as your attorney, and its staff members are not attorneys. Solid Ground makes no representations, expressed or implied, that the information contained in or linked to its website can or will be used or interpreted in any particular way by any governmental agency or court. As legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent counsel.
Ellen says
If someone sells drugs out of their home (i.e. “shares” as in the RCW here), what do you think “one day to comply” means??
Ellen says
And how much evidence does a landlord need?
Joel Hirsh says
Hello, I have this issue in SOUTH CAROLINA. Can I apply this law in this state in any form or fashion?
Joel Hirsh says
Can I apply this in SC?
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Joel, we’re so sorry to hear about your situation. Unfortunately Solid Ground’s Tenant Counselors only provide advice on Washington state landlord/tenant law – but you can leave a message on our Tenant Services message-only line at 206.694.6767 during open hours (M, T, and Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm, PT) with your questions, and a Tenant Counselor might be able to direct you to resources in your state.
Celestine says
Can a landlord put a tenant and tenants property outside on just a 3 day notice?
Mike Buchman says
Celestine, we’ll get your question to our Tenant Counselors and get back to you!
Celestine says
Thank you.
Jo-Ann says
I’m in nj and signed a lease with a sober living house without time to have it reviewed by a Lawer. I feel it is unjust. Is there a time After signing, during which I can know cancel the contract?
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Jo-Ann, we’re sorry to hear about your situation. Unfortunately Solid Ground’s Tenant Counselors provide advice on Washington state landlord/tenant law – but you can leave a message on our Tenant Services message-only line at 206.694.6767 during open hours (M, T, and Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm, PT) with your questions, and a Tenant Counselor might be able to direct you to resources in your state.
Raymond Rummell says
Wondering what happened to the answer to Celeste question? My question is similar. How long does a sober living have to hold a client’s property after they have exited?
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Raymond, while we can’t respond to tenant questions via our blog, Solid Ground’s Tenant Counselors can provide advice on Washington state landlord/tenant law via phone. If you live in Washington, please call our Tenant Services message-only line at 206.694.6767 during open hours (M, T, and Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm, PT) with your questions, and they will respond as soon as possible.
Brendan pike says
My question is the owner of the sober home im in goes through our refrigerators and just throws our food which we pay for apon her own discression saying she ” got rid of science projects, the food shes reffering to i brought home LAST night it was homemade macoroni and cheese my friends mother made for me, what right do they have to throw away food i paid for while i was at work without any kind of communication! I dont feel like thats right at all!
Edgar says
I’m a house manager and to answer this question the house manager must ask first who the food belongs to than it can be thrown out if the food is old
Leonardo Medina says
I’m in a Massachusetts and I failed one drug test for cocaine once in 4 months can the owner of the Sober house force me to leave out in the cold or do I have a right to a court eviction process
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Leonardo, we’re sorry to hear about your situation. Unfortunately Solid Ground’s Tenant Counselors only provide advice on Washington state landlord/tenant law – but you can leave a message on our Tenant Services message-only line at 206.694.6767 during open hours (M, T, and Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm, PT) with your questions, and a Tenant Counselor might be able to direct you to resources in Massachusetts.
Monty Johnson says
Hi we have a new manager for our recovery home. She is evicting a couple people for non payment on monthly rent. She has given a three day notice to these three people. She delivers them at around hours between8 -10 p.m.. First can she show up and try to get into peoples rooms without knocking? Also she uses the f… Word to intimidate us and uses another man impersonating the owner and he too uses the same vulgar language. She has shown up just days after the three day notices and says if you don’t move out by weekend I will personally throw you out myself.
Edgar says
To answer your question she can’t go in no one’s room without a motive but a house manager has the right to go in anyone rooms at anytime if you signed the application and rules you giving the house manager permission by signing that application
sonia grace says
Make sure you always remember we are in a pandemic because of covid-19 so always use that to advantage there are rules to any evictions ANYWERE YOU live at this time….good luck always go to the Mass.gov site to look up your rights just look for the search bar and write your question there, especially in this pandemic.
Mike Buchman says
Here is a link to our website, in particular the eviction and termination section, which should answer a lot of questions regarding the processes landlords must take when asking tenants to move out.
https://www.solid-ground.org/get-help/housing/for-tenants/eviction/
In short though, in most cases, tenants are entitled to due process when it comes to eviction and/or termination, even if they are in violation of lease terms or behind in rent. If a landlord locks you out or tries to physically remove you without this process, please call local law enforcement.
A tenant counselor here at Solid Ground would be happy to discuss your situation if you are able to call our tenant hotline (206.694.6767) between the hours of 10:30am-1:30pm M, W, or Th. You will have to leave a message but someone will return your call throughout the week.
Brandin says
I got evicted for being 172$ behind on rent my some was sick I had him at the ER on our meeting day I missed it it was the only one I missed I been to all my meetings that I needed to attend for the week I was on a financial contract I made the obligation to pay 160$ a week till I zero out I had the 160$ but I used 30$ of the 160 to get my sons medicine and when I got back home that day after the ER they took my money order for 130$ out said I had 8 hours to be out!! What rights do I have in my case?
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Brandin, Solid Ground’s Tenant Counselors provide advice on Washington state landlord/tenant law. If you live in Washington, please call our Tenant Services message-only line, 206.694.6767, with your questions, and they will respond as soon as possible. (Current message line open hours are: M & Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm, PST.)
dee says
I do not feel heard. I sent so many Emails all over. I wrote the Mayor,Governor, Oprah,The President, every single social services program available…churches cops and lawyers. Spent Thanksgiving alone…contacted news channels..George Kent the head of oxford house. Oxford house world services…and I’ve gotten nowhere. Im still very hopeful, and still talking to a sponsor taking my medicine daily.
I feel alone and as if my recovery is at risk. My mental health has been tested these past two weeks because the 2 other roomates I had at 307 Madison court inside my women’s oxford house decided to relapse. I am not sure why so many women have chosen to fail here since I arrived in August but Im a waitress at Ihop with no car collecting medacaid and foodstamps on methadone with just 13 months clean. 3 months ago I was homeless with 2 Jobs paying 140$ a night for hotels,and now because my house is down to just 1 member as of 2 weeks ago and our rent is 175$ a week my landlord who has the charter to make money and get a tax break wants to either change the sex from women to men with less than 3 weeks notice and I don’t even own a car to sleep in….or just take her house back completely during this pandemic. Im pretty scared because I am definitely 100% alone just me. have met with some women in Ocean mental health as well as Anjelica weber from on point and I m really really exhausted from not having permanent housing. Am I at all Eligible for ANY type of housing? My Oxford house is due to close Nov.30th.
D
Liz Reed Hawk says
Dear D, we’re so sorry to hear about your situation. To find out about all housing options in our area, please call 2.1.1. And while Solid Ground cannot respond to tenant questions via the blog, our Tenant Counselors can provide advice on Washington state landlord/tenant law via phone. Please call our Tenant Services message-only line at 206.694.6767 during open hours (M & Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm, PT) with your questions, and they will respond as soon as possible. Also, you can visit our Get Help › Housing Resources › For Tenants webpages: http://www.solid-ground.org/get-help/housing/for-tenants at any time. Starting tomorrow, December 1, the Tenant Hotline will be open 3 days: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 10:30am-1:30pm.
Kaila says
I need to know if we signed an agreement not to use or violate the rules. Or get 3 strikes. But if we do we can be told to leave within an hour. If this legal? I live in sober living in ky. And they accepted my money it was a partial payment. Its Its every week Im a nagged if I will pay rent and If I pay the majority owing like 50 dollars get threatened to be kicked out within a hour. Someone please help me!
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Kaila, Solid Ground’s Tenant Counselors provide advice on Washington state landlord/tenant law — but you can leave a message on our Tenant Services message-only line, 206.694.6767, with your questions, and a Tenant Counselor might be able to direct you to resources in your state. (Current message line open hours are: M & Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm, PST.)
sonia grace says
call or email MASH they fund most sober houses and during covid-19 its a PANDEMIC RIGHT NOW IN THE WORLD going on
ADRIAN DOOLIN says
During this covid 19 lockdown can a owner of the sober living house I live in kick me out on the street
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Adrian, Solid Ground’s Tenant Counselors can provide advice on Washington state landlord/tenant law via phone. If you live in Washington, please call our Tenant Services message-only line at 206.694.6767 during open hours (M & Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm, PDT) with your questions, and they will respond as soon as possible.
David Bosworth says
My girlfriend has nearly two years clean and is being evicted for presumed “diluted” UA’s . She has not used, and there have NOT been any “drug-positive” results. She is being evicted solely on the basis of having a low creatinine level in her samples. They have issued one previously, then rescinded it. Now she got another one. They have badgered her with 7 or 8 UA’s in a period where 1 is normal. All with no behavioral causes or suspicious activity or true reasonable cause. This is in Oregon. She will fight this. Does she have any remedy to this?
Dave & Kim
Liz Reed Hawk says
Thanks for your question Dave. While our Tenant Services counselors work with Washington state landlord/tenant law, I forwarded your question to them to see if they are aware of resources for tenants in Oregon.
Trish Abbate says
Hi Dave,
Our Tenant Counselors are only trained in the Washington State landlord tenant laws, so my recommendation is to connect with the Oregon Community Alliance of Tenants. Here is a link to their website: http://oregoncat.org/. You can also call their hotline at 503.288.0130.
I hope this helps!
Monty Johnson says
Hi we have a new manager for our recovery home. She is evicting a couple people for non payment on monthly rent. She has given a three day notice to these three people. She delivers them at around hours between8 -10 p.m.. First can she show up and try to get into peoples rooms without knocking? Also she uses the f… Word to intimidate us and uses another man impersonating the owner and he too uses the same vulgar language. She has shown up just days after the three day notices and says if you don’t move out by weekend I will personally throw you out myself.
Trish Abbate says
Hi Monty, thanks for reaching out to us. Whenever a landlord issues a 3-day notice, we always recommend connecting to legal resources. Depending on where you are located (presumably, within WA State) we can provide you with referrals to free legal help in your area. Please feel free to call our Tenant Hotline (206-694-6767) between the hours of 10:30am-1:30pm M, W, Th to leave a message for our Tenant Counselors. Someone will return your call and can provide you with appropriate referrals and additional assistance.
Natr Stern says
So i got attacked by a psycho neighbor which my housemates witnessed and i defended myself which everyone vouched for me that i was not out of line or instigated anything. The owner of my SLE decided i was in violation of the rules which is no violence. He kicked me out on the street the next day. All of my housemates agreed that i had done nothing wrong but regardless i was evicted. Is this legal of him to do so especially if it was off the property and not with anyone from the house?
Trish Abbate says
Hello Natr,
Tenants do have a right to the legal eviction process. My suggestion is to reach out to a local legal service for assistance. If you need help finding the right resource, please feel free to call our Tenant Hotline at 206-694-6767 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 10:30am-1:30pm. Thank you!
Edgar says
Good morning my name is Eddie I’m a house manager in Boston mass at a sober home.my question is I live here and I’m the house manager why do I have to pay rent and I’m the house manager I get a discount but shouldn’t I get free rent like all sober homes around Boston mass.i work a part time job and I still have to pay 100 a week is this fair?a regular tenant pays 170 a week I mean I clean the whole house every morning I make sure I collect the urines and the house is safe why does the owner make me pay rent when I actually work full-time here is this legal?
John says
I live in a network of housing called The Mack House, it’s a faith based transitional house in Marysville run by Holy Ghost Revival Ministries. Recently our landlord announced that he was raising rent and claims he is exempt from all landlord tenant rights so the notice for the increase did not have to be written and delivered. What sort of citation can I look up for proof that he does not have to follow state laws?
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi John, feel free to call our Tenant Message Hotline at 206.694.6767 on Mondays and Thursdays between 10:30am-1:30pm, and Wednesdays 10:30am-4:30pm. Leave a detailed message with your situation, and one of our Tenant Counselors will get back to you as soon as they are able.
My name says
So I live in a faith-based recovery home for women and kids I got a 30 day notice it was not give into me it was left on my bed one Saturday night they come into my apartment when I’m not at home I’ve noticed some things moved around but I have so much things in here to even notice if anything is missing we’re not allowed to lock our doors not even at night to go to sleep when donations come she goes to the flea market and sell them the profit from it does not come to the house it goes to her when I first moved in here we were allowed to do our laundry now only some of us are allowed to do our laundry meanwhile others are not notified when they could do the laundry she comes in here yells at people cusses at them she comes one week before rent is due to start harassing us about rent then comes at 5:30 in the morning to collect it because she does not want to wait two late for rent but yet doesn’t want to give you a rent receipt until she feels like it gift cards donated to her and uses them for personal use allows for favorite girls to get away with things While others cannot put the girls that only been here 2 weeks is a house Mom what are my rights there was supposed to be some roof work done she got a grant for supposably that has not yet happen I think this place needs to be investigated it is very much corrupted people are living here that should not be living here there are three houses and one apartment complex you’re not allowed to have internet here yet our kids have to do homework on internet and so we have to stay out later because she does not want no one parked in front of the house someone help me what can I do please
Alex Lopez says
No they cannot till august 22 when Senate de decides how much longer we need
ryan says
i own a sober living home. i had a resident come home drunk. we do not let them stay because they can be a trigger for other alcoholics. i paid for his taxi to a local mission that provides a bed for the night. could i get in trouble for not allowing him to stay the night
Liz Reed Hawk says
I don’t think so, Ryan, but I’ll forward your question to our Tenant Counselor.
John Hendrix says
Is the landlord allowed to kick me out the same day? Like say I have to leave right that second?
Mike Buchman says
John, I’ll pass your question on to a tenant counselor and post an answer ASAP.
~Mike Buchman
Mike Buchman says
John: look for email from us.
Kerri says
Can they kick someone out as soon as they tell him to get out when it was only refusing the drug test because of Kratom
Kerri says
If the house Manger and manager, both males have sexual discrete relationship and house mngr doesn’t like, “can’t stand,” tenant… (as the living situation for any person in recovery is vital crucial) does tenant have any rights, pkease help
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Kerri, we’re sorry to hear about your situation. While we can’t respond to tenant questions via our blog, Solid Ground’s Tenant Counselors can provide advice on Washington state landlord/tenant law via phone. If you live in Washington, please call our Tenant Services message-only line at 206.694.6767 during open hours (M, T, and Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm, PT) with your questions, and they will respond as soon as possible.
Charles R Deming says
In KANSAS CITY MISSOURI. I WORKED AND LIVED IN A SOBER LIVING PROGRAM. CALLED THE WELCOME HOUSE.
DESPITE WHAT PEOPLE BELIEVE OR EVEN WHAT THE LAWS FOR EVICTIONS IN YOUR STATE MAY BE. SOBER LIVING HOUSES ARE NOT REQUIRED TO GO THRU THE EVICTION PROCESS, IF THE RESIDENT HAS SIGNED A PROGRAM PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT. AND HAS VIOLATED ANY OF THE PROGRAM RULES. THIS COULD BE FAILURE TO PAY PROGRAM PARTICIPATION FEES. AFTER ALREADY BEING ADDRESSED FOR THIS AND AGREEING TO BECOME COMPLIANT.
HERE ARE SOME OTHER REASONS THAT A PERSON LIVING IN A SOBER LIVING HOUSE/ PROGRAM. MAY BE ASKED TO LEAVE IMMEDIATELY AND GIVING NO NOTICE.
1. USE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS. EITHER BY FAILING A U.A OR B.A.
REFUSING TO SUMMIT A U.A OR B.A.
STAFF CAN VISUALLY SEE PERSONS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS.
2. THREATS.OR ACTS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST STAFF OR OTHERS IN THE PROGRAM.
3. VIOLATED CURFEW OR FAILURE TO RETURN.
4. FAILURE TO MEET REQUIRED MEETINGS. AFTER HAVING BEEN ADDRESSED FOR ATTENDANCE VIOLATIONS.
5. THEFT OF OTHERS PROPERTY.
6. LACK OF PROGRAM PARTICIPATION. NOT MAKING ANY IMPROVEMENTS.
7. SMOKING INSIDE THE HOUSE.
8. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ANY CHORES THEY HAVE BEEN GIVING. AFTER BEING ADDRESSED FOR NON COMPLIANCE.
THE GOAL OF ANY SOBER LIVING HOUSE/ PROGRAM SHOULD BE TO CARRY THE MESSAGE OF RECOVERY TO THE ACTIVE ADDICT. NOT TO CARRY THE ADDICT.
THOSE WHO WANT RECOVERY WILL PUT FORTH THE EFFORT TO ACHIEVE IT.
RECOVERY IS NOT EASY. AND ITS NOT FREE.
Addicts Deserve Rights says
Apparently your sober living facility and local 12 step groups need to provide a lesson on typing. Writing in all caps has been a cardinal sin of the internet going back to at least the late 90s.
It’s basically the equivalent of wearing a hat that says I’m an angry old man who has to get my grandson to reformat my hard drive bc I keep clicking on obviously malicious files and filling my computer with malware and viruses.
If you actually were walking the walk of a solid recovery you wouldn’t come here filled with rage yelling at ppl simply trying to avoid getting raped while living on the street. Sober living is not rehab and a huge chunk of sober living facilities are nothing more than landlords abusing loopholes in jurisdictions with strong tenants rights law. In Missouri tenants rights are probably garbage to begin with, but in our state they actually provide solid tenants rights protections.
Landlords who want special cutouts that act as massive de facto subsidies should be required to do more than assign one tenant as a the house manager and pretend that makes the place in anyway a serious facility substantially different from a normal housing. If you want the cutouts you need to have professional staff not some rando who’s barely clean. Places ths provide regular access to *professional* counseling services at the facility should be the minimum for special cut outs to tenant rights. There are some amazing sober living facilities but in the last 15 years there’s been an explosion of predatory landlords with no connection to recovery taking advantage of the Wild West system that exists in most jurisdictions. Scammy Rehabs have also exploded but some of the sober living facilities my clients attend are beyond the pale. Either they turn a blindeye to anything for paying tenants or at the opposite extreme they powertrip and throw ppl out on a moments notice for completely arbitrary reasons.
This industry desperately needs greater regulation. For the Places that are ultimately nothing more than standard landlords slapping “sober living” any right to easy eviction for illegal drug use should be balanced out with much stronger protections for clean tenants who are simply behind on rent. Suspicion of drug use should not be allowed as an easy way to evict clients simply behind on rent who deserve at least the same legal protections as average tenants. If owner merely suspects drug use then a non affiliated 3rd party drug testing company should be used to verify drug use. If owner claims to still suspect drug use and that the client is beating the lab UA then they should pay for hair testing that shows use clearly after the tenant moved in.
Annabelle D. says
My husband and I were buzzed (didn’t drink in the house), and our landlord first said we were on a “probation” – not to do it again, or we’d be out within 24 hours….then after she left, she calls back and says we have 3 days to get out….
Is there anyway we could fight that? Can she do that?
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hello Annabelle, check your gmail for a response.
Candice says
Hi so I was wandering if a clean and sober house could evict you for a prescription that your psychiatrist prescribed for you for one of your mental disorders
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Candice, please call our Tenant Services message-only line 206.694.6767 with your question, and a Tenant Counselor will get back to you. (Current message line open hours are: M & Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm.) Thanks!
del says
aahaa sober living in kent wa is managed by (named redacted) a convicted felon whos been there for years. hes not technically staff, hes just been there longer than other tenants so he’s house manager. is it legal for him to tell tenants to leave without proving they drank/used? or for any other reason?
joseph guzzetta says
hi can someone help me on information regarding a situation im currently in. i was living in a sober house in the state of new york the past 3 months and got kicked out last week because i let my girlfriend use our bathroom upstairs, i did not drink or use drugs, nor did she. i was only given 1 hour to pack my things and go. and i asked for my security deposit back and the guy that runs the house said no. if anyone knows the legal rights that i have please contact me asap
Michelle says
I live in a San Diego,CA sober living/ dual diagnosis home for women. There are 3 bedrooms & a living room housing 10 women & a 4 month old baby@ $400.00 rent each woman. I was appointed House manager,( no wages just a $200.00 reduction of my rent,). I have been resented by 2 out of 9 women here,a victim of thief( prescribed medication, personal items, which my manager was notified of several weeks ago before I became manager) . A week ago I tested a woman who came up positive for cannabis.My manager/ boss was notified immediately,she told the woman she had to move out by the 1st of March. Then 3 days ago my boss gave her another chance. Due to the rumors & dissention ,today I was told I am no longer the manager which is fine with me. I have had a lot more responsibilities than I initially was told was required. The problem I have is that even after 5 women in my home vouched for me,( they respect me & love me as house manager)they told me I have to move out on March 1st, 2018. What rights do I have? I have p.t.s.d. & have a severe back injury .I feel that I have been railroaded but I don’t want to be where I am not wanted or appreciated , but I need reasonable time to find a place & move. What are my rights? I don’t want any trouble,I just want to be treated fairly. Thank you.Sincerly, Michelle Y McIntire
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Michelle, our Tenant Counselors are only trained in the Washington state landlord/tenant laws, but they found this San Diego-based resource that might be able to answer your questions: http://www.tenantslegalcenter.com/. Hope this helps!
Joseph DiPietro says
Can my landlord evict me from a sober house on grounds that I tested positive for benzos and I did not take any benzos i took another urine the same day for my dr and nothing else came up but my prescribed meds at normal levels and nothing else but the landlord is saying i failed for benzos and his lab looked into it and i was abusing oxazepam, temazepam like crazy drugs ive never even heard of then he says i came up for meth amphetamine and amphetamine and marijuana when in the first place i only tested positive for benzos?? What?? Thats absolutely asinine. Oh and he says his little rinky dink lab is more reputible than Boston Medical Center laboratory one of the best hospitals in the world okay buddy. Im being railroaded for no good reason. Do u think i have a legitimate case/ argument here i believe i need to seek legal advice here. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Joseph, please call our Tenant Services message-only line 206.694.6767 with your question, and a Tenant Counselor will get back to you. (Current message line open hours are: M & Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm.) Thanks!
Juanita says
Hi I am in California and am just getting my sober living home established. As of yet, it is soley out of pocket and I am pending registration and, I have a tenant whom (my mistake and I knew it) last year, upon purchasing property; lost her home (she is a dear friend of mine’s mother & bf) w their 5th wheel…they have a year round camp permit locally and had an arrangement to be here every 30 days for 10 days to park and pay a small monthly fee so I went ahead and tied them into the septic (we are incorporated & it is all up to code, have own electrical box etc)..BUT THEY NEVER LEFT!..she preceded to move in a teenager grand daughter, they use drugs; refused to sign anything, knows this is pending registration w the coalition as a sober living & is now squatting! She had stolen 2 Wi-Fi cable boxes out of one of the duplexes so I unplugged the cable finally but now all tenants are suffering. I have been approved for 3 new tenants, 2 by the courts on probation programs and will be having p.o. searches here and 1 with housing authority on voucher program plus inspections coming soon..what can I do as, I am operating as a sober living and at meeting she was taking the meeting minutes in her hand writing.. She knows all the rules she is spiteful and told tenants she refuses to leave and is trying to have me shut down..for what, I do not know but bc I o not have a lease she was only supposed to be a parking space..do I have to evict her bc everyone else has a 4hr notification and she got as far as an application last year and refused to do anymore bc she said her bf would never sign anything bc they r on drugs!! What can I do?! I do not want to lose my good repor I am trying to establish w the community and she’s really messing w my goal here to help (i know I messed up by trying to help someone I know..I have been in biz a long time and know better but I’m in this sit know..) Any ideas?..
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Juanita, Solid Ground’s Tenant Services work with Washington state residents to understand their rights and responsibilities under Washington state landlord-tenant law. We recommend you look for California-certified tenant counseling services.
Chris McCaffree says
Juanita,
We are looking for a sober living place in California.
Where are you located?
Chris
k martin says
hello,
I found this place thoufr room share, I was not informed that it was a sober living place and the ownser told me that I did not have to comply with sober living rules.. in other words.. she just wanted money. We experience bed bugs quite a bit. the manager has made reference to me using the window as a peek show. I have herear people jerking off outside of the window. someone broke into the apartment and she said that it was me getting in. I have to pay double the rent. techiniacally my rent is 500 but because I do not want a roommate. she maes me pay 1000. The people she choose to room with is are either mentally ill or major drug addicts. They refuse to help with anything but harass you for rent money. IS there anything that I can do?
She also came into my apt. On some INSPECTION> and took thingd that I paid for out of the apt. I am getting harassed by my roomates and the landlord on a daily basis.
HELP
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi k martin, if you are a Washington state resident, please call our Tenant Services message-only line 206.694.6767 with your question, and a Tenant Counselor will get back to you. (Current message line open hours are: M & Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm.) Thanks!
Pamela Costa says
Hello, I really need assistance with this insane particular matter. I got a bed at this sober home called Haven of Hope, and upon delivery of the fee to move in I was told that it had randomly increased to 550$ however I only had 350 at the time. So the next day I was called into the managers office to review rules & payment issues/plans….that actually was what my thoughts of what would occur was. Instead she simply discharged me
like that for minor things such as leaving lights on, being too noisy, and also going out to smoke in the designated area after 11pm. So I said wow, ok can I please have my deposit returned to me considering I was not even there for a full 24hours. Can you believe that this ubsurd lady says to me that “absolutely not, it is nonrefundable. ” That is not legitamently legal to do, correct?¿
I had heard through my attorney that for that to actually apply you would have to have been residing there for at least 72 hours.
Please, please….this is imperative to my well being & recovery, because I have actually acquired a bed at another better location in order to complie with my probation stipulations.
Thank you for your time & consideration.
Have a great day…..!
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Pamela, if you are a Washington state resident, please call our Tenant Services message-only line 206.694.6767 with your question, and a Tenant Counselor will get back to you. (Current message line open hours are: M & Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm.) Thanks!
Ryan says
Hello I am living in very unofficial sober house with no accreditation ,no lease on a weekly pay schedule in Connecticut I have lived here going on 5 years almost. Things have become very hostile and very inappropriate in this house besides just the fact that it is an unsafe disgusting home that way. Make even the worst crack houses blushit’s not that I don’t I’m commenting about how I’ve always tried to make it a home and improved it on my own dime over the years, recently a problem tenant has moved back in for the third time vulgar disgusting mean and violent and sexually harassing me also stealing my food running my name through the mud on top of so many other problems. I have handled it like an adult like someone trying to live right next one on one together and also the manager / owner on many occasions on a couple occasions he made it attempt to talk to them but it just escalates and gets worse and last night comes up into my bedroom and tells me time to get out of here like the next morning my whole life is here I put for 5 years my job is here medical situations my counselor is everything I own and I would just like to talk to somebody if possible about the rights I have he’s trying to bully me out of here because he can tell it’s escalating and he thinks it’s just easier to get rid of me also this guy is causing the issues is for some reason his little buddy who can do no wrong even though he’s a homophobic racist bigot who is terrible to everyone he comes in contact with and also using steroids wilhich seens to be okaye for our refrigeratornow I’ve been trying to figure out an extra strategy here but I cannot expect to have to do it on this unrealistic and awful way it’s a sign that credit House of any kind it’s obviously an illegal election but they’re going to make it very difficult for me it’s already really difficult for me so if anyone I could speak to really appreciate it thank you so much
Ryan says
Sorry for all the spelling errors my I’m whispering into talk-to-text because as we speak there standing outside my bedroom door listening
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Ryan, Solid Ground’s Tenant Counselors only provide advice on Washington state landlord/tenant law, but if you call our Tenant Services message-only line, 206.694.6767, with your question, they may or may not be able to locate some Connecticut resources for you. (Current message line open hours are: M & Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm, PST.)
Roy says
I was evicted from my halfway house under the excuse that I have the Corona virus.it was all a plot to get rid of me for peeing one weeks rent.The owner requested that I get a note from my doctor which I complied with.He said”not acceptable.”I have never tested positive while living there and complied with all the rules.They actually packed up all my stuff without me being there.i was forced to spend a few nights on the street which is a terrible place for someone in recovery.i did not get all of my belongings as they took what they wanted.Is this legal.Please give me some advice.It would be highly appreciated.
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Roy, unfortunately we cannot respond to tenant questions via the blog, but Solid Ground’s Tenant Counselors can provide advice on Washington state landlord/tenant law via phone. If you live in Washington, please call our Tenant Services message-only line at 206.694.6767 during open hours (M & Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm, PDT) with your questions, and they will respond as soon as possible.
Debra Keough says
Hello: I realize that you’re in Washington State, but I’m hoping you may be able to point me in the right direction. I’m in Phoenix Arizona. In 2016 my ex-boyfriend (we were still together then) purchased a house with the intent that I set up and run a recovery home for women. I picked out every piece of art, every piece of furniture, I helped set everything up and put it together, and I created the entire program, rules, documentation, etc. In 2017 Arizona passed a Recovery Home bill, and there were tons of things I had to do to get us in compliance. It’s was a big two story, 2500 sq ft, 4bdr, 3 bath, single family home. In 2018 we decided to convert the 2 car garage into an separate living quarters with a bedroom/office/living room area and a large bathroom. I chose every fixture in the bathroom, the tile, the door, the lights, right down to the shower head in the bathroom. I filed all the paperwork with the city for the renovation, and I was there every day with the contractors. The bench in the shower is even measured specifically for me. When we added the garage renovation space, we were a 3000 sq ft, 5 bdrm 4 bath home. We could hold 10 clients, and we were full all of the time. My relationship had gotten really bad by then, and he just wanted to get his money out of the house, and I didn’t want to have to work with him any more. So I got in touch with another halfway house owner and asked him if he would open another women’s house and let me run it, and I’d bring quite a few clients with me. In the end, I arranged for Joe (the new operator) to rent Tom’s (the ex) house with all the furnishings, etc. as they are. In other words, Joe got a women’s recovery house already set up, completely full, all he had to do was change the utilities to his name. I will be 4 years sober on August 8th. As soon as Joe took over, Tom started contacting the women in the house and lying and trying to turn them against me. It was working and I was completely stressed and upset about the whole thing. Then I’m given a UA, and there is a false positive for a drug I’ve never done in my life. I’m a pure alcoholic, almost 60 years old, and I would hope that I wouldn’t suddenly start using meth!! I wouldn’t know where to find it in the first place. So the housing coordinator tells me I have to leave that very night. Everything I own is in that house, my personal property is scattered all over it. I have 2 dogs who love the yard. So I dug in my heels and said I wouldn’t go, then they called the police and had me trespassed off the property. Now things have calmed down, and i just want to stay there for a few days to get everything I own packed up. It just seems like I should have some rights of tenancy, out of all the principals in the issue, myself, Joe, and Tom, I am the ONLY one who has actually lived in the house. I’ve lived there for 4 years. I am NOT a client, I was an employee, the only permanent resident in the house, and I think that I would have some rights and protections, shouldn’t I? Or are they legal in taking away my job and home and making me leave within 5 hours. I know that clients are not considered tenants, and don’t have to be evicted…but I have to have some kind of rights here, don’t I? Any help and/or advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Ryan says
Me and my wife got a mouth swab drug test. We asked to see the results. They said we can not see them because they were inconclusive. Then they said we have to leave immediately or they will call the police. So we did. Next day my wife went to get are stuff are room door was wide open are stuff was all over the place. It looked like a police raid. A lot of are stuff was stolen. My wife loaded the car and
Then unloaded the car at are storage. Then came back for another load of are stuff then the house Manager said that’s it step on the property agian and will call the police. They didnt even give us a 1 hour eviction notice and didnt even give us 8 hours to get are stuff
Amanda says
I need to speak to someone about a sober living home im in with my 4 children. Very important. Please someone reach out to me.
Mike Buchman says
King County’s Coordinated Entry for All (CEA) is the quickest way to get screened into the emergency housing system. Call 2.1.1 toll-free at 1.800.621.4636, M–F, 8am–6pm for info about all King County resources.
Kristena says
Is it legal for the house owners and manger make a new rule thats not even in the contract that we are to give them any medications that can be abused including methadone and suboxone? We are to get it from them as prescribed daily. Is that even legal. Like theres nothing signed or anything stating they are responsible for that. Cam they do this?
Liz Reed Hawk says
Solid Ground’s Tenant Counselors provide advice on Washington state landlord/tenant law. If you live in Washington, please call our Tenant Services message-only line, 206.694.6767, with your questions, and they will respond as soon as possible. (Current message line open hours are: M & Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm, PST.)
Charles R Deming says
Yes. As methadone and suboxone are abused by people to get high. IT PLACES THOSE AROUND YOU IN DANGER OF RELAPSE IT ALSO PUTS YOU AT RISK AS OTHERS IN THE PROGRAM MAY WANT YOU TO SELL OR GIVE THEM SOME.
MEDICATIONS MOST BE KEPT IN A SECURE PLACE. WITH PROGRAM STAFF (PROFESSIONAL) STAFF BEING THE ONLY ONES ABLE TO ACCESS IT.
ALSO A DAILY RECORD OF TIME MEDS WHERE GIVING.
Jacob Holt says
Is it legal for the house owner to force you to go to church service 2 times a week when it’s against your own religion? They also list if anyone falls asleep in a church service we will be charged 20$ and failure to pay within a week will result in losing housing. They also prohibit all non Christian literature and list no one is allowed to have sexual contact with anyone at anytime (including time not at the home) unless they are in a heterosexual marriage. I don’t see how any of this is legal, it’s very homophobic and they are forcing their religion on me.
Mike Buchman says
I’ll forward your question to our tenant team and have them get back to you. Thanks.
~MB
Olivia Mansker-Stoker says
Hi Jacob, I am sorry to hear about this situation. I am not an attorney and I cannot provide legal advice. However, if you call our tenant counseling hotline (206.694.6767) between 10:30am and 1:30pm on a Monday or a Thursday, a tenant counselor can call you back and help you figure out what legal services are available in your area. In King County, for example, anybody can get 30 minutes of legal advice from the Neighborhood Legal Clinics. Additionally, Washington landlords cannot evict tenants for unpaid fees, only unpaid rent. Please feel free to call us for more information. ~Olivia
Laura durette says
I was kicked out of my halfway house after nine months not one dirty drug test I was held inside for forty two days straight as punishment for rumor sthat all the other girls were saying I was being bullied I’m even physically scarred on my face I lost my eyebrows from chemical poisoning and then my throat closed up I have lung disease I got rushed to the e. R I was also using my face toner which was filled w vinegar it got into my eyes burned my cuts still on my eyebrows director did nothing some girls snuck in while asleep leaving drawers open clothes makeup jackets destroyed I was publically humiliated in from of my peers by staff who swore at me made fun of me crying in front of clients violated my HIPPA laws I got kicked out for going to get medical attention at the hospital but because no set appt the letter I came back w they said no good got drug tested twox and passed both times I was told I could go by staff and the next day told to pack up after nine months of being scarred mentally emotionally physically I cut my wrist no one noticed I isolated got severally depressed never left my room had no friends they all tried to force me out and it worked I tried to tell someone but nobody ever report Ed my incedents I’ve kept a notebook journally dates days times and what happened my eyebrows are permanently scarred a chunk missing twelve weeks grow back two drs said feared for my safety wanted me out I want to press charges but how I still need my right eye tested vinegar ruined my vision please help……
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Laura, unfortunately we cannot respond to tenant questions via the blog, but Solid Ground’s Tenant Counselors can provide advice on Washington state landlord/tenant law via phone. If you live in Washington, please call our Tenant Services message-only line at 206.694.6767 during open hours (M & Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm, PDT) with your questions, and they will respond as soon as possible.
Shawn Williams says
Who can i contact regarding my rights in transitional housing in Idaho?
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Shawn, Solid Ground’s Tenant Counselors provide advice on Washington state landlord/tenant law — but you can leave a message on our Tenant Services message-only line at 206.694.6767 during open hours (M & Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm, PDT) with your questions, and a Tenant Counselor might be able to direct you to resources in Idaho.
Leah says
I’m just curious. I was living in a recovery house in York, PA. I was there for 19 days. I stayed sober and still am sober. I had to switch my insurance over to York county first befor I could start I.O.P and get help with founding. The house owner knowing I had no family to help me with rent. My mom passed when I was 16 and my dad passed 11months ago. Being an only child I just had no one to help with the rent. I came from being in rehab for 3 months, halfway house for 3 months but due to the covid-19 the halfway house was put on quantine. So we were not allowed to work. Completed the halfway house and went to this recovery house. Trying to find work meanwhile. I was told on my 19th day there I was being kicked out and had 15 to 20mins to pack and leave. No where to go.
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Leah, we’re sorry to hear about your situation. Unfortunately, Solid Ground’s Tenant Counselors provide advice on Washington state landlord/tenant law — but you can leave a message on our Tenant Services message-only line at 206.694.6767 during open hours (M & Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm, PT) with your questions, and a Tenant Counselor might be able to direct you to resources in your state.
Henry says
Could a sober house just change locks without you having a lock on your door is that legal
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Henry, unfortunately we cannot respond to tenant questions via the blog, but Solid Ground’s Tenant Counselors can provide advice on Washington state landlord/tenant law via phone. If you live in Washington, please call our Tenant Services message-only line at 206.694.6767 during open hours (M & Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm, PT) with your questions, and they will respond as soon as possible.
Benjamin says
People asking questions :
Note this is for WASHINGTON STATE. Don’t ask questions about other states here. Look up your state in a search engine — you’re already on the web right now. C’mon, now –if we’re working on being clean & sober, the least we can do is put a couple extra minutes into correctly looking up WHERE WE LIVE for resources before asking folks in other states’ organizations for an assist.
“It works if you work it…” — do the work. 🙂 Good luck and peace.
Cory Church says
Can my halfway owner evict me for not downloading an app that tracks my location?
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hello Cory, while we cannot respond to tenant questions via the blog, Solid Ground’s Tenant Counselors can provide advice on Washington state landlord/tenant law via phone. If you live in Washington, please call our Tenant Services message-only line at 206.694.6767 during open hours (M & Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm, PT) with your questions, and they will respond as soon as possible.
Manuel says
Can nonprofit clean and sober houses Make you pay for things like new microwave, toilet paper and cleaning supplies? And can they make you donate for such things?
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Manuel, while we cannot respond to tenant questions via the blog, Solid Ground’s Tenant Counselors can provide advice on Washington state landlord/tenant law via phone. If you live in Washington, please call our Tenant Services message-only line at 206.694.6767 during open hours (M & Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm, PT) with your questions, and they will respond as soon as possible.
Shelly S says
My son is newly sober and I sincerely believe that he’s abstaining for real this time. He had a life threatening overdose last month and it scared him straight. BUT he just got into a sober living home where the tested him for cannabis. He’s a big, muscular guy and VERY tall (lots of body mass). He tested positive for MJ and got kicked out last night. I know that THC metabolites can stay in the system at detectable levels for up to 90 days in long-term, heavy users and I really believe that this is what happened in my son’s case. They refused to listen to this and allow frequent testing or an alternative test to see if the UA result was due to “loiter time” in his system. A blood or saliva test could bring more context into that positive UA and reveal whether this was a breakdown metabolite or if he did use recently. Nope, they kicked him straight out, and I really think it’s unfair without knowing the context of that result. He was clean for his other drugs of choice (meth and fentanyl), which leave the body much faster. Now we have to find him a new place to stay. No wonder recovering addicts have such trouble staying sober. They don’t see the point in staying the course if they keep getting punished every step of the way. Due to their damaged and malfunctioning “reward centers” which are the basis for their addiction problems in the first place, they need encouragement and rewards (even just praise) to keep doing the right thing, not repeated and unreasonable punishment for their past mistakes while they try to turn around.
Jesse says
Hello, I am in a sober house in maine, was kicked out on no notice in the middle of the freezing cold, they asked me to leave because they said I put everyone at risk for covid but I quarantined at a hotel for 5 days which is what the cdc recommended, they then kicked me out 2 weeks after that. Also am I allowed to sue them for emotional distress? I feel as though my rights were violated.
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Jesse, we’re so sorry to hear about your situation. Unfortunately Solid Ground’s Tenant Counselors only provide advice on Washington state landlord/tenant law – but you can leave a message on our Tenant Services message-only line at 206.694.6767 during open hours (M, T, and Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm, PT) with your questions, and a Tenant Counselor might be able to direct you to resources in your state.
John gavis says
Hello I am an assistant house manager I’ve been here for three months get my mail here and changed my address to here the past two weeks I’ve missed curfew by but notified the house manager I was gonna be late as well I was asked to leave with no write ups and no warnings I’ve never had an issue with anyone here is this valid
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi John, we’re sorry to hear about this situation. While we can’t respond to tenant questions via our blog, Solid Ground’s Tenant Counselors can provide advice on Washington state landlord/tenant law via phone. If you live in Washington, please call our Tenant Services message-only line at 206.694.6767 during open hours (Monday and Thursday, 10:30am–1:30pm, PT) with your questions, and they’ll respond as soon as possible.
Lindsey Aia says
Is it legal for a caseworker at a sober house in Massachusetts to say that they put some “extra medication” that is prescribed to a client legally in a lock box into their safe during a pill count and that you can get it back when you leave. Obviously I am referring to a situation where my caseworker did this , she did not provide me with any paperwork stating what medication she held onto or how much, and I was asked to leave and in addition to not getting back half of my belongings no meds were returned. Is there an organization I can contact about this. Obviously, I was not comfortable with this arrangement but felt pressured to go along with it. I feel they probably either abused the medication or tossed it in the garbage.
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Lindsey, we’re so sorry to hear about your situation. Unfortunately Solid Ground’s Tenant Counselors only provide advice on Washington state landlord/tenant law – but you can leave a message on our Tenant Services message-only line at 206.694.6767 (currently receiving messages Mondays and Thursdays, 10:30am to 1:30pm PT) with your questions, and a Tenant Counselor might be able to direct you to resources in your state.
Denise Claire Peckham says
Can a woman get kicked out of sober living if she becomes pregnant.
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Denise, while we can’t respond to tenant questions via our blog, Solid Ground’s Tenant Counselors can provide advice on Washington state landlord/tenant law via phone. If you live in Washington, please call our Tenant Services Voice Message Line at 206.694.6767 during open hours (M and Th, 10:30am – 1:30pm, PT) with your questions, and they’ll respond as soon as possible.
Shawna Ann Lewis says
“Because of the complexity of this information, it will be posted in two parts. The next post will further address some of the barriers that people living in clean and sober housing face – including the problems a faster eviction process would pose – and how these tenants could benefit from additional protections allowing them to remain in stable housing.”
The next post is about winter solstice, how many I find the information for this topic?
Liz Reed Hawk says
Hi Shawna, thanks for pointing out that our language was confusing. We updated the Part 1 post to include a link to Part 2, which you can read at: Evictions in Clean & Sober Housing (Part 2) http://www.solid-ground.org/tenant-tip-evictions-in-clean-sober-housing-part-2.