Landlord Tenant Lawyers

I am a WA State attorney, and I counsel both landlords and tenants in WA who end up having landlord/tenant conflicts. It would be smart of you to have your first lease draft reviewed by a knowledgeable WA State landlord tenant law attorney. The biggest problems that arise include return of a security deposit and/or billing for additional costs after move out; tenants failure to comply with terms of the lease and/or HOA rules; and issues/questions regarding renewal of the lease. The Residential Landlord Tenant Law can be found here: https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=59.18 Two changes were made in 2023 alone. In addition, some cities, like Seattle, and unincorporated King County, have additional requirements to be aware of. You may want to consider joining an association of WA landlords - I think there's a statewide one, and there may be county or city organizations. Some of these can provide you with first draft leases and/or provide guidance, classes, and counseling. There are many places to buy leases online, but some of these don't address the fine points regarding notice to vacate or raise rent, issues arising from paying last month's rent ahead, whether or not security deposits can be applied toward the last month's rent, and so forth. An attorney who specializes in landlord-tenant law can provide you with your first lease and also be available on an ongoing basis for consultations from time to time.

In order to advise you on the lease, you would have to have the lease reviewed so that the purposes for the lease can be established and discussed with you. I can help to review your lease and advise you on you can and cannot do based on the lease. You can connect with me via the website to engage my services Donya Gordon

I would want to double-check your lease. Often times there is a no-pet provision under the rules section. Further, unless you are planning a legitimate registered service animal, I would get written permission for your future protection.

Speaking generally, if your agreement is a lease, neither the landlord nor tenant can amend it unless both parties agree (the same can be said for a completely new agreement). If it is a month to month agreement, if you don't sign, the landlord may be able to give you notice to vacate. What I would do is ask for a couple of days for review. Put your current agreement down with the proposed new agreeement down, side by side, and go through them together, paragraph by paragraph. At the same time, make notes about anything in the new agreement you don't like, and attempt to negotiate the terms with your landlord before signing. Please note that the WA State Residential Landlord Tenant law was modified in several ways by the WA State Legislature, effective a few months ago - this may be why your landlord is doing this. For example, a landlord now has 30 days to return a security deposit (or explain why he/she isn't); it was 21 before that, and 14 before that). To review the Landlord/Tenant Law at the same time, follow this link: https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=59.18 If you would like to hire me to help, I am not available until October 15th, I'm afraid - I'm on vacation at Yosemite.

A demand letter would probable cost between $100 and $150. However, if you have a tenant that is six months behind in rent, you're better off posting a 3 day notice to vacate and evict the tenant and get a paying tenant in the property. If the tenant hasn't paid in the past six months, it's unlikely the tenant will start paying now. You can always sue the tenant after you evict them (or even during the eviction process) but getting them out will allow you to place a paying tenant in your property.