My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: Washington
Hi,
I haven't found very many instances similar to mine and hoping to get some resolution and a better understanding of what the law is and what I am responsible for.
I was living in OR and moved to WA at the beginning of January 2012. I rented a room from a guy who is renting a home that is owned by another individual (his landlord). He did not want me on the lease, I'm not sure if the landlord was aware I was living there. I offered to draw up a separate rental agreement between us and he declined. The terms were $400 per month, utilities included in the cost of the rent. He wanted 30 days notice, but I got a new job that required me to move quickly. I have paid my rent on time, each month, in cash.
I gave him notice on April 27, 2012 and finished moving out on April 30, 2012. My understanding that I am required to give him 20 days notice. He has already found a new roommate and they are moving in tomorrow March 4, 2012. How much rent am I required to pay him since I left? The 20 days to cover the notice? A full 30 days?
There is a lot of back story to this situation, including his personality disorders and the lies he told me before I moved in. He told me that he didn't smoke in the house (I am severely allergic to smoke and made that clear before I moved in), he told me that his son did not live in the home when he does, he sent me pictures of what the house looked like before he even moved in 2 years ago which did not represent the current state of the house (he is a hoarder and the front/back yards show that). Also, because he has been unable to manage his finances and could not pay his bills on time he has tried to charge me for utilities even though our agreement states utilities are included. He estimates an additional cost of $500 for utilities that he wants me to pay.
My ultimate question is: With in the law, what am I responsible for?
Thank you so much for any assistance!

