Unexpected "extra" security deposit in Vancouver WA

[Oklazona Bound]

Originally Posted by texasdiver

I would suggest that this is an issue between your ex-roommates and the landlord, not you.

Let them take it up with the landlord. It isn't your problem. They are the ones breaking their lease.

Exactly. However since the OP seems concerned about all of this I would suggest the OP contact a local tenants rights group in the Vancouver area or state of Washington and get their advice as to what rights these previous tenants might have regarding their deposits, not ask for advice from strangers on here who are simply spouting out their opinions. A couple of places to contact:

https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/is...tenants-rights

https://clark.wa.gov/community-servi...ds-and-tenants

[oregonwoodsmoke]

In order to terminate the lease, pay back deposits, and write a new lease, new deposits would be required all the way around, including from you, OP. The landlord can not separate out part of the contract signers and treat them differently for other signers of the same contract.

If you really want, ask the landlord if he will terminate the contract and sign a brand new lease. He will evaluate any damage, take it out of the deposit money, return what is left to all the signers of the contract. There will be a lease break fee. Then a new contract will be signed with brand new tenants. Expect it to contain a rent increase to bring the rent up to full market value and you yourself will have to come up with new deposit money. And the departing tenants will still not get a refund because they broke the lease and owe rent through August, which they have not paid.

You chose replacements? Did the landlord approve of them? You can't just move in anyone you want.