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Understanding the many legalities and landlord legal rights when renting property is key to protecting your investment. According to data collected by the Internal Revenue Service, approximately 10.6 million Americans declared rental income when they filed taxes in 2023.
Part of your job as a landlord is understanding owner rights when it comes to the termination of a lease agreement.
Check out our guide that helps you navigate the steps and legalities involved if you ever need to terminate a lease for your Bellevue, WA property.
Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities
Before we get into the details about the termination of a lease agreement, let's go over both the landlord and tenant's responsibilities. As a landlord, you must maintain the property in a habitable condition including ensuring that the plumbing, heating, and electrical systems are functioning. You must also provide proper notice before you enter the property for repairs or if you want to show it to new prospective tenants.
Tenants must pay their rent and utility costs as previously agreed upon. They must also keep the property clean and sanitary, and notify you or the property management company of any issues that need repair.
Termination of Lease Agreement Legalities
Most landlords issue tenants a fixed-term lease that usually lasts for 12 months. You normally can't terminate the lease before this time is up without good reason unless there is a specific clause already in the lease agreement.
However, you can issue a lease termination notice if the tenant does not pay their rent, or if they violate specific terms in the lease. For example, if they continually violate the peaceful right to property clause, it's grounds for an early lease termination. Another instance might be if the property is condemned.
Month-to-Month Leases
If your tenant has a month-to-month lease, Bellevue WA property laws state that you must give them at least a 20-day written notice of intent to terminate the tenancy. You must issue the notice in writing, and it can't be given to the tenant via text messages or verbally.
Washington Tenant Eviction Rules
If you need to terminate a lease and you've been granted permission to do so, there are some rules you need to follow. First, the court will issue a Writ of Restitution which tells the tenant they must move out of the property or be forcibly evicted.
Once the Writ is given to the tenant, Washington law states they have three to five days to move out, depending on the reason for the eviction. Tenants who fail to pay rent on time have five days to move out, while they only have three days for all other reasons.
Know Your Rights as a Landlord
Once you know the rules and laws regarding the termination of a lease agreement, you're better able to protect yourself in the process. Make sure you're up to date on the most recent Bellevue, WA property laws to stay on top of things.
At Brink Property Management, we're fully committed to protecting your real estate investment, so contact us today to learn more.
