Breaking a Lease in Washington State: RCW 59.18 Mitigation Rules
Calculate the true cost of breaking a lease in Washington State under RCW 59.18.310 landlord duty to mitigate vs. early termination buyout fees.
Washington: Early Lease Break & Mitigation Calculator
Calculate the true cost of breaking a lease in Washington State under RCW 59.18.310 landlord duty to mitigate vs. early termination buyout fees.
Why this calculation is mathematically fair
Washington landlords have an affirmative statutory duty under RCW 59.18.310 to mitigate damages by making reasonable efforts to re-rent the dwelling at fair market value. Once a replacement tenant begins paying rent, the departing tenant liability ceases immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Washington landlord have a legal duty to mitigate damages? +
Yes. Under RCW 59.18.310, the landlord must make reasonable commercial efforts to re-rent the apartment promptly, reducing the tenant liability.
Are there statutory exceptions to breaking a lease in Washington? +
Yes. Active military deployment (RCW 59.18.200) and domestic violence/stalking (RCW 59.18.575) allow immediate lease termination without financial penalty.
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