Questions around Termed lease agreement

[Ana Vhan]

Hi all, 

Current tenant at our WA property has been nothing but a headache. He constantly fights, did not renew previous lease and that went into a month to month lease and reduced our options as a landlord. This year we paid a good amount to a lawyer and he prepared a "Termed lease agreement" and got it signed from the tenants. 

Its clearly stated in the lease that this is a termed lease and does not enter into month to month. Also that, landlord and tenant need to sign a new lease 70 days before the current lease is over. The landlord can terminate the lease by giving 60 days notice prior to the termination of the lease. 

I still have following questions given the fact that the washington state favor tenants generally speaking,

1. Based on this, if we give a termination notice 60 days prior to termination, will the tenants have to leave or is there any scenario in which they may still be allowed to stay?

2. I have noticed these tenants don't read anything. They may have missed these important facts in the lease. 2 months notice may catch them off-guard. Should I give them early enough notice like 4 months in advance so they get enough time to find another place?

3. are there any better ideas to let these tenants leave? Its been a nightmare to deal with them. 

Thanks,

Ana

[John Barrett]

@Ana Vhan I would follow the previously provided guidance of using an attorney to handle all the notifications of the non-renewal with your tenants.  My understanding of the law is that you do not need to provide a reason for non-renewal on a term lease that does not roll to month to month when proper notice is given.  That said, you should never take legal advice from strangers on the internet. :)

So spend the money and have your attorney to make sure everything is done in compliance with the current rules and you can move on from this tenant.  It's not fun spending the money but your are buying yourself peace of mind.

John