Enforcing a Work-for-Rent Contract in an Eviction Dispute

Attorney Answer

Until the actual contract language about the free-rent months and the $40,000 term is reviewed — along with whatever eviction notice, if any, has been given — no one can say whether that $40,000 clause is enforceable or whether the eviction itself is valid.

An agreement to trade roofing work for rent raises two separate legal issues. First, exchanging skilled labor for rent may fall under Washington wage-and-hour law rather than pure contract law, which affects how the value of the work is calculated and owed. Second, Washington law separately limits why a landlord can end a tenancy at all: under Revised Code of Washington § 59.18.650, a landlord may not evict a tenant, refuse to continue a tenancy, or end a periodic tenancy except for specific causes listed in the statute, and must give written notice stating the facts behind that cause. An eviction lacking a valid stated cause or proper notice could be defective on its own, regardless of how the $40,000 dispute is resolved.

What you can do:

1. Get copies of the full written contract and any eviction notice, and read exactly what they say about the free-rent term and the $40,000 amount.

2. Send a written demand letter setting out what is owed and keep a copy for the records.

3. Keep records of the roofing work performed — dates, materials, and any communication about the arrangement.

4. Have a local attorney review both the contract and any eviction notice for compliance with Washington's tenancy-termination requirements.

⏱ Time limits apply. Washington eviction (unlawful detainer) cases move on short statutory response windows once a summons and complaint are served. If eviction papers have already been served, identify that response deadline now — a local attorney should confirm it promptly, separate from resolving the $40,000 dispute.