News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 24, 2003
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Signs Bill Allowing Armed Forces Members to End Leases Without Penalty

Gov. Gary Locke today signed a bill allowing members of the armed forces who receive reassignment or deployment orders to terminate their rental contracts on short notice without financial penalty.

“The brave men and women of our military should not be penalized when serving our country,” Locke said. “Most are already making a financial sacrifice and this bill will help alleviate some of the hardships during a difficult time.”

The bill would cover members of the armed forces, including National Guard and reservists, their spouses and dependents. It specifies that servicemen or their dependents may terminate a rental agreement with less than twenty days notice if the tenant receives reassignment or deployment orders that do not allow a twenty day notice. The tenant is required to notify landlord within seven days notice of deployment.

Thousands of members of the armed services are currently receiving activation, relocation and deployment notices that often allow for only 72 hours or less to report to the new duty station. According to current state law, if the landlord is unable to re-rent the property, the renter is liable for rental costs for the entire notice or lease period.

The legislation (SB 5044), prime sponsored by Sen. Marilyn Rasmussen, D-Eatonville, was passed unanimously by the state Legislature. This bill takes effect immediately.


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