Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington

landlord/tenant lease agreemnet

Apt. Compl. which I reside presently has changed over property management companies since 8/06. At same time I was approved for move-in. Novice at signing a lease; excited that my boys and I have our own place. Long story short: Signed L/A prior two days prior to move in date. Prop. Mng. making mistakes whiting them out. Prop Mng. no longer w/comp. two days later. No lease copy in head. My move in date changed; New PM collected agreed move-in cost. Ask for copy of L/A could not find. Instead an verbal agreement reponse, ''we received all monies however, there is no systematic filing.'' Converse back forth no agreement. My neighbor was harassing & threaten me. Filed an complaint to resolve this matter. Solution PM moves us to another building. Still no lease, In PM office at least 1 a wk. Wrote letters. Constantly conf. if my account is in order. Alls Pd in adv. Aft. 3 mths PM leaves. No lease. Now getting eviction notices & back charges 4 old unit. Meetw/new PM to go over discripencies. Was told that it was given to me in error bal. is (189) favor me. Every mth since 12/06 same problem. No lease, finally aft. 6 mths PM gives me a copy L/A which is altered from orig. Ask to see my file PM refuses w/excuses. On and On


Asked on 3/03/07, 8:27 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Elizabeth Powell ELizabeth Powell PS Inc

Re: landlord/tenant lease agreemnet

Why would you put up with this shoddy treatment for one more minute?

The only error you are making is in not communicating with these people in writing. If you ask for a receipt they have to give you one.

You are entitled to see your payments and your ledger of charges. If they don't keep one, you should. In writing, and provide a copy to them every month.

Write to them and say that you want a copy of the lease that is the same as the one you signed on (date).

But either party can give a 20 day notice to end the tenancy to the other party - no reason required, so long as their is no written agreement for a tenancy longer than a month.

In other words, a 20-day notice is ineffective against a lease.

Leases have to be in writing. It is absurd of them to not give you a copy. Write them and demand a copy.

Each and every time you give these people money, get a receipt for it.

And consider moving.

Hope this helps. Powell

Read more
Answered on 3/03/07, 12:40 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Landlord & Tenants questions and answers in Washington