We have a saying around here at the Tenant Resource Center, “Not even death will get you out of your lease”. Sad, but true. At least for now . . .
Usually we use that saying to explain that just cuz you _________________, you can’t break your lease without consequences. The blank is usually filled with: got transferred at your job, lost your job, bought a house, don’t get along with your roommates, can’t afford the unit any longer, etc. etc. etc.
Unfortunately, we talk to both tenants and landlords who have a much more difficult issue to deal with, and that is when someone dies that still has a lease. The landlord feels terrible (well, most do) because they know the family members left behind have alot to deal with, and yet they have to run their business. The family is looking for guidance, and there is very little beyond the breaking the lease issues involved. Usually, the two parties work out something that works for both of them and then agree to void the remainder of the lease.
Unfortunately, in the past couple years, we’ve had two high profile (one, two) cases where the landlords were less than cooperative, which is unusual. High profile cases such as this usually lead to legislation, not always a good way to legislate, but in this case, if you ask me, it is LONG overdue. Several legislators throughout the years have looked into the issue, but this is the farthest I remember it getting in the last 15 years.
Spencer Black introduced a bill to deal with this issue. It is up for a hearing tomorrow and I hope they are finally able to come up with some reasonable rules to resolve this situation.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
12:30 PM
300 Northeast
Assembly Bill 543
Relating to: barring landlords from requiring certain payments and from making certain claims against estates.
By Representative Black.
Also, on their agenda, and of local interest:
Assembly Bill 527
Relating to: requirements before a sale or other transfer of a manufactured and mobile home community, providing an exemption from the real estate transfer fee, and providing a penalty.
By Representatives Roys, Jorgensen, Berceau and Pope-Roberts; cosponsored by Senators Erpenbach and Wirch.
