What are the legal consequences of a tenant breaking a rental agreement?

When a tenant breaks a rental agreement (called a “lease”) in Washington, there are serious legal consequences that may be imposed by the landlord. First of all, the landlord has the right to seek monetary compensation from the tenant for any costs they incurred as a result of the breach. This can include lost rent, the cost of finding and filing a new tenant, and damages to the property caused by the tenant. The tenant must pay these costs regardless of whether they have moved out of the rental property. If the landlord does not pursue payment for these damages, they may still have the right to obtain a court order for the tenant to vacate the property. This order is called an “unlawful detainer” and requires the tenant to leave the rental property within a certain period of time. After the court order is issued, if the tenant does not leave within the time frame, the landlord may be able to have them forcibly removed from the property. In addition to civil remedies, the tenant may also be subject to criminal penalties. Depending on the circumstances, a tenant could face misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor charges and potential fines or jail time. Breaking a rental agreement is never a good idea. Tenants in Washington should always seek to honor their lease agreements and resolve disputes with their landlord in other ways. If a tenant breaches their lease, they should contact an experienced attorney to discuss their rights and any potential legal consequences they may face.

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What are the legal consequences of a tenant breaking a rental agreement?

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