How far in advance does a tenant need to sign a month-to-month rental agreement?

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How far in advance does a tenant need to sign a month-to-month rental agreement?

I understand WA requires tenants to sign month-to-month rental agreements in advance. How far in advance? Can they sign the agreement the day they move in, or if we’re charging a non-refundable holding fee, can they sign when they pay the holding fee?

Asked on September 22, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Washington

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

In the State of Washington, a landlord and a tenant can agree as to the start time of a month-to-month tenancy at any point in time. Meaning, a written agreement can be entered into between the landlord and the tenant on September 23, 2011 for a particular rental for a certain monthly rate where the actual lease starts December 1, 2011 on a month-to-month basis.

In reality the start time for the lease all depends upon the agreement of the landlord and the tenant.

For practical purposes, the landlord and the tenant would most likely want the written agreement signed and dated well in advance of the actual move in and start up date for the lease in order to clean up the rental and for the tenant to vacate his or her other occupied unit.

Good question.


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