Is there any action I can take as a tenant to obtain a copy of my lease from my landlord? for Questionland Seattle

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Is there any action I can take as a tenant to obtain a copy of my lease from my landlord?

I looked briefly at Residential Landlord-Tenant act about my rights and responsibilities as a renter, but couldn't find anything regarding what rights I have to obtaining a copy of my lease.

My partner and I signed a lease and moved in to our new apartment in June and at the time, only signed one lease. We asked at that time to be given a copy of the lease before moving in, which was agreed to. But we never got a copy. I have called and left voicemails with my landlord (she hasn't been answering the phone since we moved in, luckily the maintenance guy has), but haven't received any response. Is there any action I can legally take to get her to provide us with a copy of the lease? It seems only fair that we should be given a copy of something we signed and I want to be able to reference our lease regarding the condition of our apartment and what we are allowed to do to the unit and what procedures we agreed to follow about payments and notifications, instead of just working from memory! I'm assuming I shouldn't withhold rent, because it may put me at risk for eviction but what am I supposed to do to get a response? And can I legally break the lease if she still refuses us?

rubylithium asked in Finance/Insure/Legal about 1 year ago | Report

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Have you been provided with the documentation required in RCW 59.18.060, sections 11 and 12?

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.060

If not, you could submit a written request for those documents, citing the relevant sections, and requesting a copy of your signed rental agreement as well.

This might be a good step to take before attempting to contact a lawyer. It would indicate to the landlord that you are serious, and you would have a written and dated request for information that she is legally obligated to provide to her tenants. While the law doesn't specifically mention the requirement to provide a copy of the lease, she cannot legally ignore the request altogether.

If that doesn't pan out, I would second Dan's suggestion of contacting a property lawyer for proper legal advice.

Lee answered in Finance/Insure/Legal about 1 year ago | Report

2 comments by rubylithium and Mike Smith…

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I have not been provided with that documentation either, so I think that your idea is a great way to go! I didn't want to get a lawyer involved until I exhausted all my options, so I think this would be a great way to go. Thank you for your suggestion, I'm going to write my request now!

rubylithium commented about 1 year ago | Report

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When you submit a written request, do it via certified mail. This gives you a timestamp and lends you more credence.

Mike Smith commented about 1 year ago | Report

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Call the Tenant's Union hotline:

http://www.tenantsunion.org/contact

They will likely be able to provide you with more accurate information than the Questionlanders.

Dan Williams answered in Finance/Insure/Legal about 1 year ago | Report

4 comments by rubylithium, Dan Williams, and rubylithium…

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Thanks. I've looked into asking TU but they have very limited hotline hours and whenever I've tried to call it's been busy pretty much the entire time. Understandable, but I thought I'd throw it out to Questionland while I wait to get through. :)

rubylithium commented about 1 year ago | Report

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Good idea! I am pretty sure your landlord is legally obligated to provide you with a copy if requested. In terms of legal action you might consider contacting a lawyer that specializes in property law. Most offer free consultations.

Dan Williams commented about 1 year ago | Report

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Thanks for all your help Dan!

rubylithium commented about 1 year ago | Report

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You bet! Good luck with your landlord.

Dan Williams commented about 1 year ago | Report

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Send a written request, along with your rent (photocopy both for your records) requesting a copy of your signed documents. State that you've left __ number of messages and requests in the letter. If you don't get a response when your check is cashed you can write or email them again or take further steps. There are a lot of laws in Seattle and King County that are very pro-tenant. Don't withhold rent just yet, as you have no legal right to do so for this matter. Are you having other problems? Are they responding to your maintenance requests? Have they broken any of their obligations? Please feel free to email me for more details or with any questions. I'm a landlord in Seattle (and a renter) and hate to see tenants not treated fairly because their landlord is an ass. There are a lot of resources out there and the law is in your favor. Pele206@aol.com - Heather

taxidermist answered in Finance/Insure/Legal about 1 year ago | Report

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If the apt. community is managed by a property management company that would be who your on-site manager is employed by. If so, go over your on-site manager's head and call the corporate office and try to speak to the general manager incharge of your particular property to obtain a copy of your lease agreement.

Loonachic answered in Finance/Insure/Legal about 1 year ago | Report

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