Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington

Damages to rented house

My friend rented out a house for a night and had a party in it. She payed $1000, $500 of it a deposit. Unfortunately there were some damages to the house caused by the party. The owner of the house is requiring my friend to pay for over $5000 in damage and cleaning fees, when it's obvious that the damaged caused by the party was no more than $500. In the report the lady made to the police, she included several damages that were already there. We believe she is using these circumstances and taking advantage of us (my friend is 19), to pay for things we're not responsible for. The lady has no proof of the damages we specifically caused, but we also have no proof (except for witness accounts) of the damages we didn't cause. What can we do so that we are fairly treated in our process and not discriminated because of our age?


Asked on 2/07/07, 2:55 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Elizabeth Powell ELizabeth Powell PS Inc

Re: Damages to rented house

No matter how short the tenancy, a landlord cannot take a deposit without providing a signed and dated checklist of the condition of the property at the beginning of the tenancy.

Go read RCW 59.18.260, .270, and ,280.

The person who owns the house can sue for damage done to the house, but their right to collect money up-front is limited.

And the situation you are describing is exactly why.

The police report is public record, so if you don't have a copy, get one so you can see what it says.

But its hearsay and inadmissible.

If she sues you, get a lawyer.

Powell

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Answered on 2/07/07, 3:07 pm


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