Randy Reynolds, & Associates, Inc. v. Kasey Harmon ( 2017 )

Filed
Washington State
Court of Appeals
Division Two
October 31, 2017
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
DIVISION II
RANDY REYNOLDS & ASSOCIATES, INC. No. 49588-1-II
dba REYNOLDS REAL ESTATE,
Appellant,
v.
KASEY HARMON aka KASEY HARMAN, PUBLISHED OPINION
Any Subtenants, and All Others Acting By Or
Through Them,
Respondents.
JOHANSON, P.J. — Randy Reynolds & Associates Inc. (Reynolds) appeals from the
superior court commissioner’s ex parte order staying a writ of restitution in an unlawful detainer
action that Reynolds brought against a tenant and waiving bond pending a hearing on the merits.
Even though the issues raised are moot, we reach the merits of the case because they raise issues
of important public policy that are likely to recur. We hold that the superior court commissioner
erred when she heard the ex parte motion to stay execution of the writ of restitution and waived
the bond without notice to Reynolds in violation of the notice and hearing requirements provided
in RCW 59.18.390(1). Consequently, we reverse.
No. 49588-1-II
FACTS
In July 2016, Reynolds served Kasey Harmon with a 20-day notice to terminate her tenancy
in compliance with the rental agreement and RCW 59.12.030(2). When Harmon failed to timely
vacate the property, Reynolds filed and served an unlawful detainer complaint seeking, among
other things, restitution of the premises. On September 16, after Harmon failed to appear pursuant
to proper notice, the superior court commissioner entered an order of default and judgment
granting a writ of restitution in favor of Reynolds.
The sheriff posted notice of the writ at Harmon’s residence on September 19. That same
day, Harmon brought an ex parte motion to stay execution of the writ. The superior court
commissioner stayed execution of the writ based on Harmon’s claim that she answered before the
case was filed and default was entered, and the court commissioner ordered a show cause hearing.
The order granting the stay was on a preprinted form that stated, “Bond is waived until the hearing
on the merits of this motion,” and Harmon did not post a bond. Clerk’s Papers (CP) at 24.
In support of its writ, Reynolds’ pleadings asserted that the ex parte hearing to stay the writ
was improper and that the stay was invalid because Harmon was required by RCW 59.18.390(1)
to post a bond before retaining possession of the premises and obtaining a stay of a writ of
restitution. At the show cause hearing, the superior court commissioner held that Harmon had no
legally sufficient challenge to the writ of restitution, and it lifted the stay and granted a
supplemental judgment including attorney fees and costs to Reynolds. The writ was then executed
and Harmon was evicted.
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No. 49588-1-II
Reynolds appeals from the superior court commissioner’s ex parte order that granted a stay
of the writ of restitution, waived the bond, and ordered a show cause hearing.1
ANALYSIS
I. MOOTNESS
Reynolds acknowledges that the matters presented are moot but argues that we should
consider them because they involve “issues of continuing and substantial public interest.” Br. of
Appellant at 6. We agree.
A. RULES OF LAW
A case is moot if “‘the court can no longer provide effective relief.’” In re Det. of M.W.,
185 Wash. 2d 633, 648, 374 P.3d 1123 (2016) (quoting State v. Hunley, 175 Wash. 2d 901, 907, 287
P.3d 584 (2012)). Generally, we do not consider cases that are moot or present abstract questions.
State v. Beaver, 184 Wash. 2d 321, 330, 358 P.3d 385 (2015).
Even when cases are moot, we have discretion to address questions “of continuing and
substantial public interest.” M.W., 185 Wash. 2d at 648. When considering whether a case involves
issues of continuing and substantial public interest, we consider (1) “‘the public or private nature
of the question presented,’” (2) “‘the desirability of an authoritative determination for the future
guidance of public officers,’” and (3) “‘the likelihood of future recurrence of the question.’” M.W.,
185 Wash. 2d at 648 (internal quotation marks omitted) (quoting Hunley, 175 Wash. 2d at 907).
1
Reynolds raises no arguments on appeal challenging the order of a show cause hearing and
challenges only the court’s granting the ex parte motion to stay the writ of restitution and the
waiver of the bond contained in the order.
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No. 49588-1-II
Matters involving statutory interpretation tend to be more public in nature, more likely to
arise again, and more helpful to public officials. Hart v. Dep’t of Soc. & Health Serv., 111 Wash. 2d
445, 449, 759 P.2d 1206 (1988). And courts may consider “‘the likelihood that the issue will
escape review because the facts of the controversy are short-lived.’” In re Marriage of Horner,
151 Wash. 2d 884, 892, 93 P.3d 124 (2004) (quoting Westerman v. Cary, 125 Wash. 2d 277, 286-87,
892 P.2d 1067 (1994)).
B. ANALYSIS
Because the superior court commissioner already lifted the writ’s stay and Harmon has
been evicted, we can no longer provide effective relief regarding the stay and the waiver of bond
pending the show cause hearing. See M.W., 185 Wash. 2d at 648. As such, the case is moot. M.W.,
185 Wash. 2d at 648.
However, the three factors for determining whether a matter is of continuing and
substantial public interest each weigh in favor of a conclusion that we should consider the issues.
See M.W., 185 Wash. 2d at 648. First, the questions presented are public because they involve
statutory interpretation to determine the proper notice and hearing procedures for certain
proceedings under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 1973, ch. 59.18 RCW. See Hart, 111
Wash. 2d at 449.
Second, it is desirable to have an authoritative determination of proper procedures for
obtaining a stay of a writ of restitution and satisfying the bond requirement under RCW
59.18.390(1) to guide future public officers. See M.W., 185 Wash. 2d at 648. The superior court
commissioner here heard the motion to stay ex parte and waived the bond requirement on a
preprinted form that is evidently used routinely in this county in orders to stay writs of restitution.
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No. 49588-1-II
It is desirable to provide guidance to the superior court so that its procedures may be adjusted to
conform to statutory requirements.
Third, it is likely that similar questions will reoccur. See M.W., 185 Wash. 2d at 648. Superior
courts routinely adjudicate unlawful detainer actions by landlords, so these issues will certainly be
raised again.
We may also choose to hear the merits because eviction proceedings are designed to be an
expedited process. Christensen v. Ellsworth, 162 Wash. 2d 365, 375-76, 173 P.3d 228 (2007) (“[T]he
purpose of the unlawful detainer statute . . . is to provide a landlord with a speedy, efficient
procedure by which to obtain possession of the premises after a breach by the tenant.”). As such,
the issues presented are likely to escape review. See In re Marriage of Horner, 151 Wash. 2d at 892.
Because Reynolds raises issues of continuing and substantial public interest, we choose to reach
the merits of the issues. See M.W., 185 Wash. 2d at 648-49.
II. CR 5(a)
Reynolds argues that the superior court commissioner erred when it heard, ex parte, the
motion to stay execution of the writ of restitution.2 Specifically, Reynolds asserts that its right to
notice for “‘every written motion other than one which may be heard ex parte’” under CR 5(a) was
violated when the superior court commissioner heard ex parte motions prohibited by Code of
2
Reynolds also argues that the stay was “void ab initio” under the common law. We do not review
issues that are not adequately developed in the briefs. State v. Corbett, 158 Wash. App. 576, 597,
242 P.3d 52 (2010). Reynolds provides only three sentences regarding the “void ab initio” issue
in his brief, and the single case he cites examines matters under the due process clause rather than
the common law doctrine of “void ab initio.” Because Reynolds provides inadequate briefing, we
decline to discuss the matter further.
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No. 49588-1-II
Judicial Conduct (CJC) Rules 2.9(A) and 2.6(A).3 Br. of Appellant at 13 (quoting CR 5(a)). We
agree.
A. RULES OF LAW
We review both the interpretation and the application of court rules de novo. State v.
McEnroe, 174 Wash. 2d 795, 800, 279 P.3d 861 (2012). We interpret court rules using principles of
statutory interpretation. Jafar v. Webb, 177 Wash. 2d 520, 527, 303 P.3d 1042 (2013). However,
when interpreting court rules, we are not concerned about usurping the role of the legislature
because we are uniquely positioned to declare the correct interpretation of any court-adopted rule.
Jafar, 177 Wash. 2d at 527. “If the rule’s meaning is plain on its face, we must give effect to that
meaning as an expression of the drafter’s intent.” Jafar, 177 Wash. 2d at 526. When a court rule is
ambiguous, we must discern the drafter’s intent by “‘reading the rule as a whole, harmonizing its
provisions, and using related rules to help identify’” the intended meaning. Jafar, 177 Wash. 2d at
526-27 (quoting State v. Chhom, 162 Wash. 2d 451, 458, 173 P.3d 234 (2007)). The use of “may”
in a statute indicates that the provision is permissive and not binding, while the use of “shall”
indicates a mandatory provision. Scannell v. City of Seattle, 97 Wash. 2d 701, 704, 648 P.2d 435
(1982).
3
Reynolds argues that the superior court violated “Canons” 2.6(A) and 2.9(A) of the CJC by
hearing and granting Harmon’s ex parte motions. It is notable that we may not directly remedy a
violation of the CJC. The Commission on Judicial Conduct is responsible for adjudicating
complaints regarding CJC violations. See STATE OF WASHINGTON, COMMISSION ON JUDICIAL
CONDUCT, https://www.cjc.state.wa.us/ (last visited Oct. 24, 2017). As such, the judicial conduct
argument will be addressed as it relates to a possible violation of the civil rules requiring notice to
parties.
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No. 49588-1-II
Improper ex parte communication under the CJC may provide grounds for a new trial under
CR 59(a)(1). Buckley v. Snapper Power Equip. Co., 61 Wash. App. 932, 938, 813 P.2d 125 (1991).
In addition, the CJC may provide a basis for a definition of ex parte contacts that may be used to
determine whether aggrieved parties are entitled to a remedy separate from the judicial code. See
State v. Watson, 155 Wash. 2d 574, 578-79, 122 P.3d 903 (2005).
B. ANALYSIS
1. NOTICE UNDER CR 5(a)
Reynolds asserts that CR 5(a) is “clear on its face” such that “[n]otice of the motion and
the hearing were required.” Br. of Appellant at 13. We agree.
CR 5(a) states that “every written motion other than one which may be heard ex
parte . . . shall be served upon each of the parties.” In addition, under Rule 2.9(A) of the CJC,
[a] judge shall not initiate, permit, or consider ex parte communications, or consider
other communications made to the judge outside the presence of the parties or their
lawyers, concerning a pending or impending matter, before that judge’s court
except as follows:
(1) When circumstances require it, ex parte communication for scheduling,
administrative, or emergency purposes, which does not address substantive matters
. . . is permitted, provided:
(a) the judge reasonably believes that no party will gain a procedural,
substantive, or tactical advantage as a result of the ex parte communication; and
(b) the judge makes provision promptly to notify all other parties of the
substance of the ex parte communication, and gives the parties an opportunity to
respond.
CR 5(a) creates a general rule that “every written motion other than one which may be
heard ex parte . . . shall be served upon each of the parties.” (Emphasis added.) Because “shall”
creates a mandatory obligation, CR 5(a) requires every motion to be “served upon each of the
parties,” excepting those which “may be heard ex parte.” CR 5(a) (emphasis added); see Scannell,
97 Wash. 2d at 704. CR 5(a) does not provide which motions “may” be heard ex parte. See CR 5(a).
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No. 49588-1-II
But “may” indicates a permissive provision. Scannell, 97 Wash. 2d at 704. Thus, CR 5(a) requires
every motion to be served upon each party, except those permitted to be heard ex parte. And it
follows that, if an ex parte motion is permitted, there must be some source of authority permitting
it. Thus, the plain meaning of CR 5(a) is that there must be a source of legal authority permitting
the motion to be heard ex parte, and absent such authority, notice is required. See CR 5(a). There
is no legal authority authorizing a court to hear an ex parte motion to stay execution of a writ of
restitution. See ch. 59.18 RCW.
2. CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT
Reynolds also argues that the ex parte motion and hearing were prohibited ex parte
communication because they violated the CJC. We may look to the CJC to determine whether a
motion may be heard ex parte under the Civil Rules. See Buckley, 61 Wash. App. at 938; Watson,
155 Wash. 2d at 575-79.
For example, in Buckley, Division One of this court stated that a judge’s improper ex parte
communication with a guardian ad litem in violation of the CJC was grounds for a new trial
because it “prevented appellant from having a fair hearing.” 61 Wash. App. at 938. The court also
stated that CR 59(a)(1), which provided that a new trial may be granted if proceedings were
irregular, authorizes a new trial for violation of the CJC’s prohibition on ex parte contacts.
Buckley, 61 Wash. App. at 938-39.
Similarly, our Supreme Court, in Watson, interpreted the term “ex parte communication”
to determine whether a memorandum about drug offender sentencing by a county prosecuting
attorney to all county superior court judges was an invalid ex parte contact. 155 Wash. 2d at 575-77.
Relevant here, the court first analyzed the CJC to determine if it provided a definition of ex parte
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No. 49588-1-II
communication. See Watson, 155 Wash. 2d at 578-79. At that time, the CJC did not provide a
definition of prohibited ex parte communications, but the case suggests that the CJC can provide
a basis for a definition of ex parte contacts that may be used to determine whether aggrieved parties
are entitled to a remedy separate from the judicial conduct code. See Watson, 155 Wash. 2d at 578-
79.
3. IMPROPER EX PARTE COMMUNICATION
The CJC states that a motion is properly heard ex parte if it concerns administrative or
scheduling matters or if the communication is heard for emergency purposes. CJC Rule 2.9(A).
In addition, to be proper, the ex parte communication may not address substantive matters, and the
judge must reasonably believe that “no party will gain a procedural, substantive, or tactical
advantage as a result of the ex parte communication.” CJC Rule 2.9(A)(1)(a).
Here, Reynolds had no notice of the motion or hearing on Harmon’s ex parte motion to
stay enforcement of the writ, which would allow Harmon to retain possession of the premises. As
Reynolds asserts, this is not a “scheduling” or “administrative” matter.
Even considering Harmon’s ex parte motion as an emergency, given that she was going to
lose possession of her residence if the sheriff executed the writ of restitution, it was still improper.
An ex parte communication, even one for “emergency purposes,” is, however, authorized only if
the communication does not “address substantive matters” and if the judicial officer “reasonably
believes that no party will gain a procedural, substantive, or tactical advantage as a result of the ex
parte communication.” CJC Rule 2.9(A)(1), (1)(a). The motion here addressed substantive
matters because the matter impacted Reynolds’ right to regain possession of its property under the
writ of restitution. And the motion gave Harmon a substantive advantage because it allowed her
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No. 49588-1-II
to remain on the premises until the subsequent show cause hearing. Thus, the ex parte
communication was not proper under the CJC. CJC Rule 2.9(A).
Accordingly, CR 5(a) required that Reynolds receive notice of the motion. Reynolds did
not receive notice of the motion to stay, so it was denied proper notice.4
III. RCW 59.18.390(1) REQUIRES NOTICE AND HEARING
Reynolds next argues that it did not receive mandatory notice of the hearing and
opportunity to be heard regarding the bond as required under RCW 59.18.390(1). We hold that
the superior court commissioner erred by waiving the bond in violation of notice and hearing
requirements provided in RCW 59.18.390(1).
A. RULES OF LAW
We review the meaning of a statute de novo. Jongeward v. BNSF Ry. Co., 174 Wash. 2d 586,
592, 278 P.3d 157 (2012). When interpreting a statute, our goal is to “ascertain and carry out the
legislature’s intent.” Jongeward, 174 Wash. 2d at 592. If a statute’s meaning is plain on its face, we
must “‘give effect to that plain meaning as an expression of legislative intent.’” Jongeward, 174
Wash. 2d at 594 (quoting Dep’t of Ecology v. Campbell & Gwinn, LLC, 146 Wash. 2d 1, 9-10, 43 P.3d
4 (2002)). The plain meaning is determined based on all of the statutory language. Jongeward,
174 Wash. 2d at 594. “Plain meaning may also be discerned from ‘related statutes which disclose
legislative intent about the provision in question.’” Jongeward, 174 Wash. 2d at 594 (quoting
Campbell & Gwinn, 146 Wash. 2d at 11). “Shall,” when used in a statute, is presumptively
4
Reynolds also argues that the superior court commissioner erred by failing to impose a bond
under RCW 59.18.390(1). Because we reverse on other grounds, we do not reach this issue.
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No. 49588-1-II
imperative and operates to create a duty, rather than to confer discretion. In re Parental Rights to
K.J.B., 187 Wash. 2d 592, 601, 387 P.3d 1072 (2017).
RCW 59.18.390(1) provides in relevant part, “The plaintiff . . . shall have notice of the
time and place where the court or judge thereof shall fix the amount of the defendant’s bond, and
shall have notice and a reasonable opportunity to examine into the qualification and sufficiency of
the sureties upon the bond before the bond shall be approved by the clerk.”
B. ANALYSIS
The landlord “shall” have notice of the time and place of the hearing at which the tenant’s
bond is set and “shall have notice and a reasonable opportunity to examine into the qualification
and sufficiency of the sureties upon the bond before the bond shall be approved.” RCW
59.18.390(1). Unless there is contrary evidence of legislative intent, the word “shall” is presumed
to be imperative; thus, the presumption here is that “before” the bond amount is set, the landlord
is entitled to notice of the bond hearing and an opportunity to be heard regarding the sufficiency
of the sureties. See K.J.B., 187 Wash. 2d at 601. Because landlords are entitled to notice and hearing
required before the court approves the bond, it follows that landlords must also be entitled to notice
and a hearing before the bond is waived altogether. See RCW 59.18.390(1).
Here, Harmon brought a motion to stay execution of the writ of restitution without notice
to Reynolds. The superior court commissioner heard the motion ex parte and waived the bond
requirement without Reynolds receiving notice of the hearing nor an opportunity to inquire into
the adequacy of the bond to secure Reynolds’ interests. Thus, the superior court commissioner
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No. 49588-1-II
erred as a matter of law when the commissioner waived the bond in violation of statutory
requirements.5 See RCW 59.18.390(1).
IV. ATTORNEY FEES
Reynolds requests attorney fees and costs, arguing that its rental agreement provides that
the prevailing party is entitled to reasonable attorney fees and costs accrued on appeal. We agree.
Under RAP 18.1(a), “[i]f applicable law grants to a party the right to recover reasonable
attorney fees or expenses on review before either the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court, the party
must request the fees or expenses as provided in this rule.” “A contract providing for an award of
attorney fees at trial . . . supports such an award on appeal.” Hall v. Feigenbaum, 178 Wash. App.
811, 827, 319 P.3d 61 (2014).
Under Reynolds’ rental agreement with Harmon, “the prevailing party shall be entitled to
recover its reasonable attorney fees and court costs incurred in the event any action, suit or
proceeding commenced to enforce the terms of this Agreement.” CP at 13. Reynolds’ unlawful
detainer action is a “proceeding commenced to enforce the terms” (CP at 13) of the rental
agreement, so the prevailing party is entitled to attorney fees and costs, including those associated
with the appeal. See Hall, 178 Wash. App. at 827. Reynolds is the prevailing party in this appeal.
Thus, subject to its compliance with RAP 18.1, we award Reynolds its attorney fees on appeal in
an amount to be determined by a commissioner of this court. See Hall, 178 Wash. App. at 827.
5
Reynolds argues that the superior court commissioner violated Reynolds’ due process rights
under article I, section 3 of the Washington Constitution when the commissioner heard matters
that materially affected Reynolds’ rights without providing it with an opportunity to be heard. We
decline to reach this issue because we decide this case on nonconstitutional grounds. See Wash.
State Farm Bureau Fed. v. Gregoire, 162 Wash. 2d 284, 291 n.7, 174 P.3d 1142 (2007).
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No. 49588-1-II
We hold that the superior court commissioner violated CR 5(a) and RCW 59.18.390(1)
when the commissioner heard the ex parte motion to stay execution of the writ of restitution and
waived the bond without notice to Reynolds. We reverse.
JOHANSON, P.J.
We concur:
LEE, J.
MELNICK, J.
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