Move out or change locks because of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or harassment
If you're renting and experience domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or harassment, you may be able to move out before the end of your lease term or change the locks to help protect yourself.
This guide will help you understand and act on your rights and includes instructions and form letters to give your landlord.
1. Fast facts
When can I move without having to pay for the rest of the lease?
If you and/or someone in your household experienced an incident of domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, or stalking, you can end a lease with your landlord after you do these things:
Tell your landlord in writing that you (and/or your household member) have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, or stalking, and when you plan to move out. You can use our sample letter or write your own. Attach a copy of your protection order or the record of report to qualified third party.
You must tell your landlord in writing that you will be breaking the lease within 90 days of the incident that led to the protection order or report.
You can read the law that explains these protections for tenants at RCW 59.18.575.
Who is a “qualified third party”?
A qualified third party is someone you can tell about domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, or stalking and who can make and sign a written report that you can give to your landlord. Qualified third parties include law enforcement officers (police or sheriff), state court employees, doctors, nurses and other health care professionals, licensed mental health professionals or counselors, clergy, and crime victim or witness program advocates. You can find the definition of “qualified third party” in RCW 59.18.570(5).
Use our sample form to make a record of your report to the qualified third party.
Reporting to a qualified third party can help you end your lease. It does not give you the same protections as a protection order. Find out more about protection orders.
I’ve done all the things in the checklist above. Do I still have to pay the rent for the month I leave?
Yes, even if you leave in the middle of the month. But you will be entitled to a refund of your deposit.
My partner was very violent and damaged the place. Can the landlord keep my security deposit to cover those damages?
Maybe not. If you receive some kind of subsidy for your housing (such as a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher), you may ask your landlord to refund your deposit to you and then apply to the state’s Landlord Damage Relief Program for reimbursement of up to $5,000 in damages to the place. If you are facing this situation and the landlord decides to keep your security deposit, talk to a lawyer right away.
I have a court order barring someone on my lease from living here anymore. Can I change the locks?
If you give the landlord a copy of the court order, the landlord must change the locks at your expense. The landlord cannot give copies of the new keys to the person barred from living there.