[wa] Out-of-state Next-of-kin Trying To Recover Deceased Tenant’s Sentimental Property From Apartment Management

Location: Washington State

My brother-in-law died earlier this year while renting an apartment in Washington. My spouse is his sole surviving next-of-kin/successor, and I have been helping with the property-recovery process from out of state.

The apartment management company removed his belongings from the unit and placed some items in storage. Our family has been trying for more than two months to recover sentimental items, especially photographs, Polaroids/Instax images, cameras, film, memory cards, SD cards, digital media, letters/documents, and personal memorabilia.

We have provided documentation, including identification, a notarized affidavit of heirship, and a small estate affidavit. We have repeatedly asked for:

• confirmation of what sentimental property was saved
• whether any photos, cameras, memory cards, or digital media were recovered or discarded
• an inventory or documentation of what was retained and what was discarded
• copies of any notices regarding storage/disposition of property
• instructions for shipping the items to the family
• whether the security deposit can be applied toward shipping

The management company initially said a court order and in-person appearance were required. Later, counsel for the management company stated that the documentation we provided was sufficient to authorize release of the personal property. We were later given a limited inventory and photo, but several questions remain unanswered, including whether all sentimental items are included, whether cameras/digital media were recovered, and whether any inventory of discarded property exists.

We are not seeking money or valuables. We are trying to get sentimental items returned and obtain written documentation of what was saved or discarded.

Questions:

1. Under Washington law, what is the appropriate legal next step when a landlord/property manager has stored a deceased tenant’s property but has not provided clear answers about what was saved or discarded?
2. Is there a way to compel an inventory, accounting, or written explanation of what was discarded?

I am trying to understand the correct legal process and next step.