Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Washington
No Signed Lease and the Tenant wants the last week of rent back
I rented out a room in my home and didn't have the renter sign a lease. Now that the renter decided to leave in the middle of the month, am I obligated to pay the last weeks worth of rent back to her?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: No Signed Lease and the Tenant wants the last week of rent back
In WA, even with an oral lease, theoretically the rent obligation is due all at once on the day you have historically accepted rent and your tenant paid it.
What you cannot do without a written agreement is to take or keep a deposit.
But no, in my opinion, you are not obligated to pay back rent.
WA recognizes a 20-day notice, given at least 20 days prior to the end of the month, to be effective at the end of the month. This 'no-fault' notice can be given by either the landlord or the tenant. So, your tenant announcing that they are leaving may or may not be a problem, I don't have enough information to tell you.
You can always sue for back rent after your tenant leaves. If it less than $4,000 you can do this in small claims.
Hope this helps. Elizabeth Powell
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