Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington

Spouse moving in

I am looking at an apartment and looking to marry at roughly the same time. Given her financial situation, if she co-applies with me, we will not get the apartment. However, if I get the apartment and then get married, will the landlord be able to evict us or otherwise give us trouble?


Asked on 6/13/08, 4:29 pm

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

Re: Spouse moving in

If you want to make it as easy as possible, get the apartment on your own, prior to getting married, and sign a one year lease. When you get married, let your landlord know that you are married, and your wife will be allowed to move in, and she will not need to be put on the lease, unless you and the manager agree to that. The landlord will not be able to evict you based on her credit- at least not during the one year lease, but when it comes time to renew the lease or go month to month, all bets are off. They can do what they want.

As a practical matter, if you have a solid track record of paying rent on time, I'd say at the end of the year, not very many landlords in their right minds will evict you.

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Answered on 6/14/08, 3:24 am


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