Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18 § 59.18.450
Relocation assistance for low-income tenants -- Payments not considered income -- Eligibility for other assistance not affected.
Operative Text
Relocation assistance payments received by tenants under *RCW 59.18.440 shall not be considered as income or otherwise affect the eligibility for or amount of assistance paid under any government benefit program.
Under Washington's Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, specifically Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.010 et seq. § 59.18.450, relocation assistance payments that tenants receive pursuant to RCW 59.18.440 are legally shielded from being counted as income. This means such payments cannot reduce, disqualify, or otherwise affect a recipient's eligibility for or benefit amount under any government assistance program. The provision creates a firewall between relocation assistance and public benefit calculations.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Landlords and property managers operating under Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.010 et seq. § 59.18.450 should be aware that relocation assistance payments made to qualifying low-income tenants carry a statutory protection that extends beyond the payment itself. Compliant operators generally document relocation assistance payments clearly and separately, so that tenants have accurate records if they need to demonstrate the nature of the funds to a benefit agency. Understanding this provision helps operators communicate accurately with tenants about the financial character of any relocation assistance provided under RCW 59.18.440.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wash. Rev. Code § 59.18.010 et seq. § 59.18.450 provides an important protection for tenants who receive relocation assistance under RCW 59.18.440: those funds are not treated as income and cannot be used to reduce or eliminate eligibility for government benefit programs such as housing vouchers, food assistance, or Medicaid. Tenants who believe a benefit agency has incorrectly counted such payments as income may have grounds to challenge that determination by citing this provision directly. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services in Washington can help individuals understand how this protection applies and what general steps are available to assert it.
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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