Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington

Obligation to a roommate

My roommate and I are on a month to month lease in a 2 bedroom apartment. 6 months ago we spoke about living together until she finishes law school (this spring). At that time, we were friends and had a very comfortable living environment. It is possible that she has an email referencing a verbal agreement to live together until the end of her school year.

Since this discussion, our friendship has deteriorated such that I cannot live in the same apartment with her anymore. I gave her 2 months notice that I want to move out. I offered to find a roommate so that she does not have to move out or absorb the cost of staying in the apartment. She says that she will not accept another roommate and that I am legally obligated to pay my half of the rent until she is ready to move out, because we have a ''contract.'' I have never signed any agreement, and the only possible written documentation of a discussion about living together for a certain amount of time would have been via email.

Does she have a legitimate claim?

Thank you so much.


Asked on 2/28/06, 6:20 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Elizabeth Powell ELizabeth Powell PS Inc

Re: Obligation to a roommate

Hello: Sounds like your friendship went away - sorry to hear that.

That said, your duty is to your landlord, not your co tenant. To move in WA, when you have a month to month, you have to provide 20 day's notice on or before the 10th of the month of your intent to discontinue a tenancy TO YOUR LANDLORD.

Suppose it would be decent of you to cc your roommate.

Elizabeth Powell

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Answered on 2/28/06, 6:38 pm


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