Do we (tenants) have to provide notice of Termination and Intention to Vacate (Washington)?

We walked into the assistant apartment manager's office 20 days before our lease is up and told him about our intent to end our lease (verbally). He stated due to his company's new system migration we will have another week to finalize our termination. When the manager's back in office and we told her about our new found place to leave, she asked about our termination notice. We turned to the assistant manager, and he denied about the conversation. The only proof that we have is the payment journal he printed for us (with the date and time) with his signature about us being a "great tenant" for the purpose of applying with another apartment complex. What shall we do?

you use the word "we" so obviously you have a witness..
the asst.manager just forgot the conversation..

the management obviously want this in writing and the "assistant" did not tell you this...........
so photocopy your receipt and put it in writing......
something to the extent..
"this is to formalize the verbal notice given on .....(date)..with "asst.manager" that you will be leaving on ......"

most places want notice in "writing"
as an "assistant manager" this person may not be licensed to "manage the building" and the "management co" could be at risk..to lose their license... (may and probably why he is not acknowledging the conversation also the asst. manager just may have forgotten your conversation and does not want to acknowledge this and lose his job lots of things could have happened)
so yes keep a potocopy and ask for a receipt for the notice as well..........by simply getting the manager to sign your copy of the notice

so keep it all simple..
good luck

What this answerer is suggesting is illegal (fraud) Report It

Not sure about the Washington law. However, it is generally better to give such notice in writing. Also, before you mail or give the notice to the management, make sure that you have a copy. Since the assistance manger is denying the conversation, I would give out a written notice immediately to the manager so that everyone is on the same page of your intention to leave.

Typically all communication has to be/should be in writing when dealing with rental property. I would give your written notice immediately so you are not held liable for any longer than you will already be held. Unfortunately, I think you may be out of luck in regards to the conversation you had with the assistant manager. I don't think the receipt stating you are "great tenants" would account for much- that could almost be considered a thank you for your payment and in most states, a judge would rule in favor of the management company due to a lack of a paper trail. Best of luck!

This very situation is covered in your lease! I am 99% sure that your lease states that the tenant (you) must provide a 30 day written notice of intent to vacate the property even if it is at the end of your lease term. The best way to do this is by sending the notice registered mail such that receipt will by dated and no one can deny that it came in. Your landlord is not required to acknowledge your "verbal" effort.

What to do? Send the written notice today, stay another month, talk to new apartment landlord about saving the new apartment for you and/ or pay a deposit to have them secure it for you.