2 Kadoranian v. Bellinqham Police Dep't. 119 Wn.2d 178, 191, 829 P.2d
1061 (1992); see Norcon Builders. LLC v. GMP Homes VG. LLC. 161 Wn. App.
474, 486, 254 P.3d 385 (2011) (declining to consider an inadequately briefed
argument).
3 RAP 2.5(a); Roberson v. Perez. 156 Wn.2d 33, 39, 123 P.3d 844 (2005).
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No. 68727-1-1 (consol. with
No. 68927-4-1) / 5
Unlawful Detainer Actions Generally
An unlawful detainer action brought under RCW 59.12.030 is a summary
proceeding designed to enable the recovery of possession of leased property.4
"The action is a narrow one, limited to the question of possession and related
issues such as restitution ofthe premises and rent."5 Due to the summary nature
of the action, a trial court generally does not permit the assertion of
counterclaims that are not '"based on facts which excuse a tenant's breach.'"6
The civil rules are the rules of practice for unlawful detainer actions,7 but when
the civil rules conflict with the unlawful detainer statute, the statute, as a "special
proceeding," controls.8 Washington courts require strict compliance with the time
and manner requirements for unlawful detainer actions9 and strictly construe
them in favor of the tenant.10 The superior court has jurisdiction over unlawful
detainer actions.11 The state constitution vests the superior court with broad
authority over real estate disputes, and the unlawful detainer statute explicitly