Legal Question in Consumer Law in Washington

Time limitations for cancellation of rental agreement

I am on Pierce County Housing Authority assistance. My rental agreement will be up in May of this year. On Saturday, I signed a new lease agreement for another year, but I wish to cancel out of it now, for personal reasons. When notifying the property management of my wish to cancel, they have informed me that I am obligated for the whole year because I have already signed the new agreement. Do I not have 3 working days to change my mind? If not, how long do I have before the the contract is non-reversable without penalty? Thank you very much. Matty


Asked on 3/28/05, 4:54 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Elizabeth Powell ELizabeth Powell PS Inc

Re: Time limitations for cancellation of rental agreement

Hello: The 3-day right of recission in Washington Contract law only applies to in home sales agreements, e.g. a cosmetic purchase or home food containers, or siding, or any type of sale that is conducted in your home.

Other than that one situation, you are obligated the moment you sign a contract, whether it is for a car or clothes or in your case to rent an apartment.

If your landlord wants to hold you to the agreement you signed you are effectively stuck. You might be able to talk them into an accord and satisfaction - in other words to release you from your obligation, but they are not legally obligated to do that.

In the meanwhile, you have a lease for a year.

Read more
Answered on 3/28/05, 6:51 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Consumer Law questions and answers in Washington