Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Washington

Re: Rental Lease

A contract is always construed against the maker (here that is you) and especially in Div. III, landlord tenant disputes are generally resolved in favor of the tenant). Especially dicey ones like what you are describing.

Basically, you are having second thoughts and are trying to think of a way to breach this contract.

Your signature is not as critical as you think it is. Put yourself in the first tenant's shoes: you have taken their money, and they have signed your contract and now, you are having cold feet.

IF the first tenants have not moved in, you could return their money, and add a little for the drama, and just tell them you don't want to do this, and is it OK with them if they don't move in?

If they have all their worldly goods in a truck in your house's driveway, they may or may not be intrigued by a little extra money.

If they are not, they have a great lawsuit against you for specific performance because they signed your contract, and you are wanting to back out.

IF the money you were waiting for and the information was critical, then theoretically they haven't paid your price, or you could say that the information was critical.

Honestly though, you need to offer them additional consideration (money) to go away. Half a month's rent or so.

Hope this helps. Powell