Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Washington

Rental agreement issues

I signed a lease with my apartment complex on August 4 '97 for 6 months. I moved here from Texas and when the lease expires in the middle of the month in Texas, that is when we are supposed to move out. I was careless and did not bother to see if it was different here. But, my question is if the lease is supposed to expire on Feb 4 '98, can the landlord move it to Feb 28 in the lease agreement which will force me to stay till the end of the month? Shouldn't they point it out specifically to the leasee when that is being done. I am positive they didn't mention it to me when I signed the lease. Any input about this will be appreciated.


Asked on 12/13/97, 1:56 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Gary Preble Preble Law Firm, P.S.

What is Term of Lease

I wouldn't begin to answer this question without viewing the whole lease.

Look for language in the lease regarding the end date.

As to his having told you about the terms of the lease, if you are a legally competent you are presumed to have read what you signed. Otherwise your signature is meaningless.

As to WA law, you might review the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act in Chapter 59.18 RCW at http://leginfo.leg.wa.gov/pub/rcw/title_59/chapter_018/ (or 59.20 if a mobile home at http://leginfo.leg.wa.gov/pub/rcw/title_59/chapter_020/).

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Answered on 12/14/97, 3:03 am


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