Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Washington
Bench Warrant Vs. Lease Agreement
I have a friend whom just moved into a new rent house, was there for one day and moved out. Due to roomate having a bench warrant, he did not want to have anything to do with him. The landlord first agreed to let him off the lease but now says NO. My friend does not want to live with this guy now because my friend is in the Navy and does not want any of part of this to ruin any of his career. Plus this roommate has lied and other issues. I wa thinking my friend could get a restraining order issued, but don't that have to be related or something like that. There is no connection between the two of them what so ever. Any help would be great in this matter. Since my friend has already moved out and is looking for another place to live. and he does not want to be stuck living with him, after this it would be to uncomfortable it would cause more trouble down the road. There is possibly somebody else who is moving in to replace my friend anyways, since we already have him moved out. And I would hate to have to move him back in since I just got him moved out into a storage unit till he can find a place, right now he is staying with a friend. Please help me to get my friend out of this lease. and away from the criminal. Thank You.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Bench Warrant Vs. Lease Agreement
Your friend needs a lawyer. Even for just a quick consult so he can know how to proceed.
Your friends instinct to stay away from the roommate with the issues is correct. The landlord's capacity to ruin your friend's life over this is limited, but it depends on what your friend signed, and I haven't seen that so I cannot comment.
Using restraining orders to avoid a rental contract is an idea that could land your friend in more trouble than he could imagine.
Look up the County Bar Association where your friend is, and get a consult, or get connected with the local volunteer attorneys if money is an issue.
Elizabeth Powell