Does an email constitute “written notice” to terminate occupancy of a rental?
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Does an email constitute “written notice” to terminate occupancy of a rental?
My landlady sent me an e-mail giving me 30 days notice to move out after a 10 years tenancy. She was making frequent requests for entry without proper notice. In past years she used to bring handymen in without any notice. When I wrote and asked her to please abide by the law for proper notice. She got mad and is now trying to force me out. Her e-mailed notice claims that she no longer wants to be a landlord as it is too stressful, even though she had me sign a new lease 11 days prior to giving me notice. Does an email constitute legal “written notice” in WA state. Also, is this not retaliatory?
Asked on September 15, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Washington
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
In most states in this country a landlord is required to send written mailed or personally served notice of the intent to terminate a tenant's tenancy upon the tenant himself or herself. The e mail service of a thirty (30) day notice to terminate does not seem to comply with statutory requirements of personal service or actual mailing.
What is odd is for the landlord to terminate the lease eleven (11) days after the signing of the new one. Likewise there has to be a factual basis for the termination of the lease. It appears as though the landlord has no basis for terminating your lease from what you have written.
From what you have written, it seems that your landlord is having second thoughts for continuing the renewed lease with you.
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