End of tenancy for a specified time—Armed forces exception.
(1) Except as limited under RCW 59.18.650, in cases where premises are rented for a specified time, by express or implied contract, the tenancy shall be deemed expired at the end of such specified time upon notice consistent with RCW 59.18.650, served in a manner consistent with RCW 59.12.040.
(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 end a tenancy for a specified time if the tenant receives permanent change of station or deployment orders. Before ending the tenancy, the tenant, or that tenant's spouse or dependent, shall provide written notice of 20 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 35 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 35 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 35 miles or more from the location of the rental premises, provided such orders are for a period not less than 90 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 35 miles or more from the location of the rental premises.
NOTES:
Effective date—2021 c 212: See note following RCW 59.18.030.
Effective date—2003 c 7: See note following RCW 59.18.200.