As the laws are now there is nothing to protect Landlords from squatters who gain access to your home. Even if they  have absolutely no proof or probable cause as to why they are in the home. According to the Sheriffs dept. once they have gained possession the Landlord has no legal rights on the property anymore, and the Sheriff will do nothing.Yet we are held accountable to still pay the taxes a mortgage, and in some instances all the electric and water bills if the squatters  do not  pay for them. They stock pile vehicles and trash in which the county can hold the owner responsible and require them to pay for the clean up or fine them. The homeowner must go trough the legal costs to have them removed.In the mean time  the squatters can do what ever damage they want. I am all for protecting tenants rights. But the law needs to be more defined when it comes to squatters.Shouldn't the home owners  be given possession unless the squatters can prove they have legal rights to be in your home. This problem does no only apply to rental property, this can also happen to ones own residence. This is a flaw in Washington States Landlord Tenant Laws.