party to judgment as a matter of law.’” Id. (quoting Verizon, 164 Wn.2d at 916). We “‘view the
facts in the record in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party.’” Id. (quoting Verizon, 164
Wn.2d at 916).
B. LEGAL PRINCIPLES OF STATUTORY INTERPRETATION
Statutory interpretation is a question of law we review de novo. Jametsky v. Olsen, 179
Wn.2d 756, 761-62, 317 P.3d 1003 (2014). The goal of statutory interpretation is to ascertain and
carry out the legislature’s intent. Id. When possible, we give effect to the plain meaning of the
statute as an expression of legislative intent. Id. The plain meaning of a statute is “derived from
the context of the entire act as well as any ‘related statutes which disclose legislative intent about
the provision in question.’” Id. (quoting Dep’t of Ecology v. Campbell & Gwinn, L.L.C., 146
Wn.2d 1, 11, 43 P.3d 4 (2002)). We give effect to all the language in the statute and do not render
any portion meaningless or superfluous. In re Welfare of K.M.M., 187 Wn. App. 545, 573, 349
P.3d 929 (2015).
When the plain language of the statute is unambiguous, no further construction or
interpretation is necessary. Jametsky, 179 Wn.2d at 762. However, if we determine that the statute
is subject to more than one reasonable interpretation, then the statute is ambiguous. Id. If a statute
is ambiguous, then we “‘may resort to statutory construction, legislative history, and relevant case
5
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No. 53352-9-II
law for assistance in discerning legislative intent.’” Id. (quoting Christensen v. Ellsworth, 162
Wn.2d 365, 373, 173 P.3d 228 (2007)).
1. Former RCW 59.20.090
Former RCW 59.20.090(2) states, “a landlord seeking to increase the rent upon expiration