Washington State House Rental Laws

by **said99** » Fri Apr 08, 2011 11:34 pm

We live in a rental house in Washington State. The house has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Currently there are 3 adults and 4 children living in the house. The landlord just sent us a letter stating that there are more people living in the house then was told to him when we moved in 4 years ago and wants a list of names of people who are residing in the house and how long each individual will be staying here. In addition he wants an additional $75.00 per month for the additional adults not listed on the lease. The landlord does not pay for any utilities for the house. Is this even right?

by **gall** » Fri Apr 08, 2011 11:37 pm

You are exceeding the legal limit anyway.

Legally 2 of those bedrooms have to be used by adults. A child can not share with an adult if they are over 12 months old. No more then 2 kids per room as well.

All adults legally have to listed on the lease, you can't just move anyone in to the house, you do not own it and have not legal right to determine who will live there.

by **elton** » Fri Apr 08, 2011 11:52 pm

The landlord has a right and duty to know who resides in his property. Since additional tenants put extra wear and tear on a property...then yes, he's entitled to require additional rent. Read your lease, I'm sure it's all there in black and white.

by **montrel68** » Sat Apr 09, 2011 12:02 am

Of course it's right.

There are unknown people (to the landlord) living in his house. The landlord has every right to know who is living on his property.

It doesn't matter if the legal occupancy limits permit 7 people in the house or who pays utilities, the landlord never permitted these people to move in.

If your original lease expired, you are now a month to month tenant.

Your tenancy can be terminated by the landlord, without cause or reason, with a written notice at least 20-days before the end of the month.

The landlord can enforce a new rule with only 30 days written notice. If the new rule is that the landlord must be provided with the info requested and you do not agree, move out.

The landlord can raise the rent due to additional occupants or for no reason at all.

If you are a month to month tenant, the landlord only needs to give 30 days written notice of the increase. If you do not agree with it, move out.

The landlord can give you a 10 day notice to cure - requiring that the extra people move out or an eviction will be filed.

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