Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington
I want to break my apartment lease
I am located in Bothell, WA. I am residing in Archstone apartment and not at all happy with the management. I had many security problems but the lease agreement clearly says that, landlord is not responsible for my personal safety. Anyway, I had requested them to check the hot water issue in my bathroom and some minor problem in kitchen. Also, asked them to repair the wall where a wood piece is sliding down. They have not responded to my request for the past two months. I have requested them almost 4 times. Can anybody help me break my lease and get out of this hell? I don't want to pay a heavy lease breaking fees (equivalent to one and half month's rent). I have all the documents with me as proof. I am ready to pay a reasonable attorney fees also. please help me
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: I want to break my apartment lease
The lease agreement is not enforceable to the extent that it attempts to limit liability for negligence or provide you less protections than what is available to you pursuant to the Residential Landlord Tenant Act, found at RCW 59.18.020 et seq.
When you make requests do it in writing and keep a copy. They have no obligation to fix or inspect anything unless and until you request it in writing.
Go look at what the rules say about your rights in the event that the landlord fails to respond to a tenant's request. But they cannot be obligated to do anything on the basis of a phone call.
Their lease breaking fee is similarly problematic to the extent that it conflicts with state law.
This is probably something you can manage yourself. If you need more help, let me know.
Elizabeth Powell
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