RCW 59.18.220 Termination of tenancy for a specified time—Armed forces exception.

(1) In all cases where premises are rented for a specified time, by express or implied contract, the tenancy shall be deemed terminated at the end of such specified time.

(2) Any tenant who is a member of the armed forces, including the national guard and armed forces reserves, or that tenant's spouse or dependent, may terminate a tenancy for a specified time if the tenant receives permanent change of station or deployment orders. Before terminating the tenancy, the tenant, or that tenant's spouse or dependent, shall provide written notice of twenty days or more to the landlord, which notice shall include a copy of the official military orders or a signed letter from the service member's commanding officer confirming any of the following criteria are met:

(a) The service member is required, pursuant to a permanent change of station orders, to move thirty-five miles or more from the location of the rental premises;

(b) The service member is prematurely or involuntarily discharged or released from active duty;

(c) The service member is released from active duty after having leased the rental premises while on active duty status and the rental premises is thirty-five miles or more from the service member's home of record prior to entering active duty;

(d) After entering into a rental agreement, the commanding officer directs the service member to move into government provided housing;

(e) The service member receives temporary duty orders, temporary change of station orders, or active duty orders to an area thirty-five miles or more from the location of the rental premises, provided such orders are for a period not less than ninety days; or

(f) The service member has leased the property, but prior to taking possession of the rental premises, receives change of station orders to an area that is thirty-five miles or more from the location of the rental premises.

[ 2019 c 23 § 3; 2003 c 7 § 2; 1973 1st ex.s. c 207 § 22.]

NOTES:

Effective date—2003 c 7: See note following RCW 59.18.200.