Results 1 to 6 of 6
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Posts
    15

    Default Can You Break a Lease if Your Landlord Sells the Property

    My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: Washington

    I moved into an apartment in West Seattle in June of 2013 and signed a 6-month lease. After I moved in, I discovered that the apartment was very rundown, with appliances and shelving units constantly breaking down. I've had several conversations with the property management group that manages the complex over a lack of professionalism and reliability in maintaining it.

    When my lease was up in November, I was set to move, but some financial problems arose and I ended up not having the money when it was time. I, instead, had to sign a 9-month-lease extension to stay, at which time my rent was also raised from $895 to $920 per month.

    At the end of December, I received notice that the property owner had essentially fired the property management group that I signed my lease with and hired someone else. The letter that I received stated that this shouldn't affect my lease. However, my lease states: "this agreement made this between ____________ (hereinafter called 'Landlord/Agent') and above listed individuals (regardless of number, hereinafter called 'Resident'), for rental property located at:_____________(hereinafter called 'Property'). It is expressly understood that this agreement is between Landlord and each signatory individually and severally..."

    Because the "Landlord" I made the agreement with is no longer my landlord, is my lease still valid? Because I'd really rather not continue to pay $920 for an apartment worth $700 at best. I previously worked for Tully's Coffee and, when TC Global sold to Global Baristas, the employees all had to "sign-out" of TC Global as employees and "sign-in" to Global Baristas. I know there is a difference here, as no sale took place, however my lease does state that it was with the property management group, not the owner.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Posts
    1,026

    Default Re: Can You Break a Lease if Your Landlord Sells the Property

    Sorry but just a current lease rolls over to a new owner when a property is sold, the same is true when a new property management group is put in place.

    In fact, your "Landlord" (the person who owns the place) remains the same; the only difference is there is a new property management company working for the owner.

    Gail

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Posts
    15

    Default Re: Can You Break a Lease if Your Landlord Sells the Property

    The property owner is not listed or referenced as a "landlord" in the contract that I signed.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    18,340

    Default Re: Can You Break a Lease if Your Landlord Sells the Property

    Quote Quoting lamw
    View Post
    The property owner is not listed or referenced as a "landlord" in the contract that I signed.
    That's often the case with management companies.

    The management company acts as agent for the owner and is given the authority to sign contracts on behalf of the owner.

    The owner, however, is where the buck stops.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Posts
    15

    Default Re: Can You Break a Lease if Your Landlord Sells the Property

    I wasn't aware that the law honored implications or what someone "meant" when dealing with contacts. My understanding is that contacts are explicit.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    16,474

    Default Re: Can You Break a Lease if Your Landlord Sells the Property

    Quote Quoting lamw
    View Post
    The property owner is not listed or referenced as a "landlord" in the contract that I signed.
    Take your contract to a local real estate attorney and ask them to give you an opinion. I disagree a bit with the other responses you received IF the contract in no way references or identifies the actual owner of the property. I suspect that there is language in the contract that makes it enforceable, but since I cannot read it, I cannot be certain.

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Breaking a Lease: Landlord Fired Property Manager - Can I Break My Lease
    By Steve2 in forum Landlord-Tenant Law
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 03-17-2013, 05:35 PM
  2. Breaking a Lease: Can Tenant Break Lease if Landlord is Selling Property
    By hambone20 in forum Landlord-Tenant Law
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 01-08-2012, 10:04 AM
  3. Breaking a Lease: Can You Break a Lease if Your Landlord Wants to Sell the Rental Property
    By Drumsrlrl in forum Landlord-Tenant Law
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 10-31-2011, 09:30 PM
  4. Breaking a Lease: Landlord Needs to Break Lease
    By sadsally in forum Landlord-Tenant Law
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 10-24-2011, 04:02 PM
  5. Roommates: Landlord Allowed Ex-Roomate Off Lease and Gave Permission to Break into Property
    By Thumpinhard25 in forum Landlord-Tenant Law
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 12-15-2010, 12:59 PM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources