Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington

Breaking Apartment Lease

What is the WA law for breaking an apartment lease? They only wrote on contract ''forfeit deposits and amount allowed by WA state''. When moved in they told me forfeit deposits and one month's rent. They are now trying to charge me the rent, forfeit deposits, and an extra $350. Are they allowed to charge me the $350?


Asked on 4/27/04, 6:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Amir John Showrai The Pacific Law Firm, PLLC

Re: Breaking Apartment Lease

It depends on why they are charging you the $350. Under WA law, the landlord is allowed to charge you rent for the remainder of the lease while the landlord tries (in good faith) to find new tenants. For example, if your rent was $700 per month and it took the landlord 15 days to find a new tenant, than that would be 1/2 a month's rent, which is $350.

I should point out that if the lease says nothing about keeping one month's rent, then I am suspicious why the landlord kept one month's rent. I'd have to see the lease to give a better informed opinion, but this should give you a general idea. Good luck!

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Answered on 4/27/04, 6:38 pm


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